SGI Europe reacts to the proposals for a Child Guarantee and the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child

On Wednesday 24 March, the European Commission presented its proposal for a new EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, as well as a proposal for a Council Recommendation establishing a European Child Guarantee.

Reacting to the proposals put forward, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe General Secretary, said:

“For SGI Europe, the first priority of the Child Guarantee must be to raise the ambition and progress towards improved childcare provisions for all children, with a focus on meeting the needs of the socially disadvantaged. Early education provides all children with the opportunity to socialise and acquire skills crucial to succeed as adults. It is important to look at ways to prevent early school leaving and to increase the acquisition of basic skills as early as possible.”

“With a rapidly changing world of work and the need for lifelong learning, it is very important to “get the fundamentals” right. Children are tomorrow’s students and workers, and they will need to build on the existing set of skills and competences to ensure their adequacy to the labour markets. A focus should be put on digital skills, which should be developed together with other basic skills, such as literacy and numeracy.”

“Beyond the primary goal of the Child Guarantee, the proposal should also lead to addressing gender inequalities. Available, accessible, affordable, and quality childcare facilities are essential for parents to work. Given that women are still predominantly in charge of caring duties, childcare is particularly important in increasing women’s employment, making an essential contribution to gender equality and to reducing the gender pay gap.”

“Whilst social protection remains a competence of the Member States, the EU can play a significant role in fighting social exclusion and breaking the cycle of poverty. We welcome that the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child makes clear the added value of social investment in children and childcare. EU funds, such as the ESF+, the ERDF, InvestEU and the Recovery and Resilience Facility should be mobilised by the Member States to reach the objectives of the Child Guarantee and of the Strategy.”