How many times have we heard politicians say “we need to create a better future for our children?”
Children are often referred to in election speeches, but what has been done concretely to protect children’s present and realise their rights across Europe?
Each year, Eurochild - a network of more than 200 child rights organisations and individuals - publishes a report with recommendations for the EU and national governments on how to support children and families.
This year’s report, Children's Realities in Europe: Progress & Gaps, includes insights from 57 members across 31 European countries.
What have we found out?
According to Eurostat, 24.8% of EU children in 2023 were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This level of child poverty remains alarmingly high for one of the wealthiest regions in the world. Child poverty increased in 16 countries and decreased in 9. Romania had the highest proportion of children at risk, with 39%, followed by Spain (34.5%) and Bulgaria (33.9%). Hungary and Spain saw the largest increases, 6.3% and 2.3%, respectively. The most significant decreases were in Romania (-2.5%), Cyprus (-1.4%), and Italy (-1.4%).
But it's not just about numbers. We noticed several trends across the countries we analysed.
Children and young people face mental health challenges, with inadequate support services, especially in schools. Staff training and early intervention need to be improved and prioritised, especially for disadvantaged, migrant, and LGBTQ+ children.
Financial barriers, such as the high costs of quality childcare, transport, and school supplies, continue to hinder children's right to education. Reforming the social protection system is crucial to reducing child poverty, with targeted support for the most vulnerable, such as migrant, Roma, and low-income families. More investment is needed in early childhood education and care to expand inclusive access to quality services.
There is a shortage of professionals supporting children with special needs, disabilities, or those from marginalised groups in schools and of foster carers and other qualified staff in child protection systems in all countries. There is also a need for more investment in early intervention to prevent family separation, with more staff and financial resources to support families at risk.
While children are increasingly concerned about climate change, most countries are not addressing its specific impact on them. Air pollution, inadequate access to clean water, exposure to hazardous waste, and a lack of green spaces for children to play particularly affect children in deprived areas and poor or more vulnerable children.
Digital tools can reduce the digital divide but also put children at risk of issues like cyberbullying and online exploitation. Safety rules and company accountability are needed. EU laws, digital literacy programs, and resources for children and caregivers will help make digital spaces safer and more accessible.
Overall, our report identifies worrying regressions. Although policies may be in place, they are frequently not translated into concrete actions or backed by sufficient funding. In many countries, public authorities and civil society organisations implement good practices, but they are often project-based and offer short-term solutions which means that when the EU funds are over these projects come to an end.
Investing in children and our society needs a vision that goes beyond short political terms to create lasting change for current and future generations.
Read the full report “Children's Realities in Europe: Progress & Gaps” here.
