A Stronger Social Europe: Commissioners Ferreira and Schmit open conference on EU solidarity ‘No Child Left Behind’ | EU Commission Press

Ahead of the Porto Social Summit, Commissioners Elisa Ferreira and Nicolas Schmit will tomorrow open a videoconference on EU solidarity towards children that aims to break the cycle of poverty, social exclusion and inequality. The event will gather Ministers or deputies of labour, social security and education from across the Union, as well as regional and local representatives, and civil society representatives. Elisa Ferreira, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, said: “Children are among the European citizens most impacted by the economic and social impact of the coronavirus crisis. We must use all the tools at our disposal to protect and empower children. As we recover from the crisis, we will support a more inclusive and digital education system to increase all children’ chances to fully take part in a digital and green economy.” Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, added: “In Europe not all children grow up enjoying equal opportunities. In 2019, more than one in five children were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. And children growing up poor often leads to them becoming poor adults. This is the harsh reality in 21st century Europe. We have to break this vicious cycle.” The Commission put forward an Action Plan in March to further implement the European Pillar of Social Rights and propose EU-level 2030 targets for employment, skills and social protection. Among the key actions proposed by the Commission for children are the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, as well as a proposal for a Council Recommendation establishing a European Child Guarantee. To help achieve the policy goals, the Commission also supports Member States with funding instruments such as the European Social Fund Plus, the European Regional Development Fund and the Just Transition Fund as well as technical support with the Technical Support Instrument.