Consultation response on strengthening the European Child Guarantee

The 2021 Council Recommendation establishing a European Child Guarantee (ECG) guides Member States’ action to provide for children in need with education and care, healthcare, and housing.

Since the adoption of the ECG, a number of relevant policy measures at national level have been designed and started to be implemented. At the same time, the number of children in poverty has actually increased, making it even more important to provide children in need with effective access to key services.

The Commission, in line with the forthcoming EU Anti-Poverty Strategy, intends to step up efforts through further actions strengthening the ECG, especially by closing identified gaps. This consultation welcomes expert input to strengthen the ECG.

Welcoming the initiative, EuroHealthNet has called to strengthen the health dimension of the ECG, as child health is shaped by nutrition, housing, education, physical environments, mental health support, and housing. Primary healthcare should be used as a key entry point for identifying unmet needs and addressing vulnerability in close coordination with social and educational services.