The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament today won a cross-party majority on the introduction of a child guarantee to lift children out of poverty. Today in Europe, 20 million children live in families who can't afford a warm meal every day.
S&D Group vice-president for employment and social affairs Maria João Rodrigues MEP said:
"Something is fundamentally wrong if social inequalities and child poverty are increasing. Investing in children is the best investment a society can make.
"We need clear standards when it comes to access to education, childcare, health services housing and security."
S&D Group spokesperson on employment and social affairs Jutta Steinruck MEP added:
"The ball is now in the hands of the European Commission and we expect them to act swiftly. One child in four in the EU is at risk of poverty or social exclusion. There is no time to waste.
S&D Group spokesperson for this issue Vilija Blinkevičiūtė MEP added:
"Every European child at risk of poverty should have access to free healthcare, free education, free childcare, a warm home and proper meals.
"Covering these areas of action through European and national action plans would ensure the living conditions and opportunities of millions of children in Europe improve considerably.
"Therefore the child guarantee should be seen as a key instrument for the stability and prosperity of the European Union."
MEPs involved
Related content
Find out more
