Eurochild’s response to the European Child Guarantee

On 24 March, the European Commission presented its proposal for a Council Recommendation establishing the European Child Guarantee. It aims to prevent and combat child poverty and social exclusion by supporting Member States efforts to guarantee access to quality key services for children in need. It calls on Member States to guarantee children in need free access to: early childhood education and care; education (including school-based activities); a healthy meal each school day and healthcare; and to ensure effective access to healthy nutrition and adequate housing.

The Commission’s proposal takes account of many of the demands brought forward by Eurochild and its members. For example, it emphasises that such a Child Guarantee will only be effective if it triggers national investments and a ‘supportive enabling policy framework’.  The design of national action plans for its implementation will therefore be crucial to its success. 

From Eurochild’s perspective, despite its many positive elements, the proposal has some weaknesses.

Download the full response on what we welcome and what we aspire towards