2023 Spring Package of the European Semester
Child poverty is overshadowed by economic, fiscal, energy, digital and green challenges.
The European Semester should become a main guidance when it comes to implementation of the European Child Guarantee.
Are children included in the 2023 Spring Package of the European Semester? What gaps could be identified and what recommendations have been addressed to the Member States? Eurochild analysed the 27 Country Reports as well as the Country Specific Recommendations of the Spring Package of the European Semester released in May 2023. A Lack of prioritisation of children agenda is of concern.
Approximately 20 million children, 24,7% in 2022 compared to 24,4% in 2021, are at risk of poverty and social exclusion in the EU. There is a growing trend since 2020.
Vulnerable families and children still deal with the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, after the break-out of the war in Ukraine, Europe has been struggling with energy crisis leaving many at risk of energy poverty. High inflation leading to living costs crisis mostly affects vulnerable families that have already been struggling to make their ends meet.
The European Semester, its Spring Package composed of Country Reports and Country Specific Recommendations (CSR), play a crucial role in shaping priorities of Member States.
