Belgium - Country Profile 2022 on children in need

Eurochild recently published a new report, (In)visible children, on the situation of children in need across Europe. Read feedback from our members on the European Semester, on EU funding, and on the development of the Child Guarantee National Action Plans and further analysis on child poverty and social exclusion

In our latest report, (In)visible Children - Eurochild 2022 report on children in need across Europe, together with our members we urge governments and decision-makers to support the most vulnerable children and prevent widening inequalities.

In particular, Belgian members highlight that the European Semester does not address children’s needs from a rights perspective. Children’s rights are not made explicit in the report or the recommendations in general and when so, it is only regarding education and enhancing its market relevance. Similarly, the emphasis on the green transition does not include a focus on the child rights perspective, nor on housing affordability.

When it comes to funding priorities, Eurochild members, ONE and the Child Rights Coalition Flanders call on Belgium to prioritise investment in child poverty, especially in areas such as childcare, healthcare, social housing, and education.

Children should be the ones setting the priorities on funding that primarily affects them. Therefore, ONE and the Child Rights Coalition Flanders also stress the importance of listening to children and evaluate their needs and desires to set such funding priorities.