There are no proposals on how the strategy will deliver social inclusion objectives or on how the social Open Method of Coordination will be strengthened. The latest SPC report shows growth and employment have not automatically lead to reduce social exclusion and poverty. We call upon the European Commission and Member States to include a strong social pillar in the new strategy, along with an economic, employment and environmental pillars. The Spring Alliance manifesto, which Eurochild signs up to, outlines main areas for EU action.

We also regret the short consultation period which further distances the EU from European citizens. We urge the European Commission to postpone adoption of the EU2020 strategy to allow proper consideration of all stakeholder concerns.

We urge the EC to give due attention to children in its strategy, both as citizens today, but also as the population group who, more than any other, will inherit future challenges such as the growing public debt, climate change and demographic ageing. In particular we highlight:

1. The future well-being of the EU depends on building children’s well-being today. Still high levels of child poverty and inequality across the EU deprive many children from accessing their rights and realising their potential. The EU needs to move to a more equal and cohesive society – and the best place to start building is by investing in children and eradicating child poverty.

2. Eurochild urges EU leaders to recognize children as fully fledged European citizens. All EU member states have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which should be seen as the foundation for all policy affecting children and young people. The promotion of children’s rights is now embedded in the Lisbon Treaty and the EU2020 strategy is the first opportunity to take account of this new development and mainstream child rights into EU policies and get a systematic, comprehensive approach to children’s rights as a political priority.

3. Eurochild believes fiercely in the right of every child to enjoy a happy childhood. Achievement of this goal also makes economic sense. Wise public investment in
children and families can be expected to reap long-term benefits in terms of savings on social and health costs, improved productivity, a more cohesive society and increased active citizenship. Accessible, affordable and high quality services, in particular for families with young children, will help lift children out of poverty and ensure that every child has the best possible start in life.

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