Europe’s new term: Seizing the moment for children worldwide

As I write this blog, Europe is entering a new political term following a series of elections across the continent, including in my home country, France. I am inspired by the words of 16-year-old Balta from Romania, who said, “I’m here because I believe in change.” Balta shared this empowering message at Save the Children’s inaugural European Child Advisory Board meeting in early June. Around the same time, 500 million citizens across 27 EU countries voted in the European elections, with 16-year-olds in Germany, Belgium, Austria and Malta voting for the first time.

Our recent EU-wide survey, ‘Our Rights. Our Future. The Europe We Want’, found that 70% of children want more opportunities to participate in decision-making. Working in Brussels and with members across the region, we have seen firsthand how powerful children's voices can be in improving laws and policies. Their involvement truly shapes the political landscape.

Children’s participation in EU decision-making has been gaining more attention in recent years. Save the Children couldn't be prouder to be one of the implementers of the EU’s first Child Participation Platform. However, we need to ensure that this is only the beginning. It was heartening to see European Commission’s plans for the development and launch of the Youth Policy Dialogues and the President’s Youth Advisory Board in the next five years. I believe that children from the age of 15 should also be part of this new set-up to ensure voices like Balta’s are heard and acted upon. Our goal is to hold new leaders accountable for this aspiration.

Progress and promise

Amidst the political changes and ‘polycrisis’ affecting the continent, it’s easy to overlook how far we have come. The EU has been a steadfast supporter of children's rights and funding. In 2023 alone, thanks to nearly €103 million from EU institutions, Save the Children reached over five million people through more than 97 projects in over 50 countries in Europe and abroad. We have made huge strides in the past five years, from the first-ever EU Child Rights Strategy, to the European Child Guarantee and the Youth Action Plan in EU External Action. This progress should drive us to keep striving forward.

As the incoming EU leadership, along with re-elected President Ursula von der Leyen, outlines Europe's new course, we have a golden opportunity. This is our chance to use the momentum and promote an agenda focused on children's rights, social equity and green transition. We must ensure that children’s voices from all corners of the world, especially those affected by conflict and emergency, are not just heard but truly listened to. Much is at stake.

Moving the needle in promoting children’s rights

More children in Europe are at risk of poverty now than before the pandemic. This is utterly shocking, considering Europe’s prosperity. Our advocacy for EU economic and social policies, such as the European Child Guarantee – a key tool in combating child poverty – and the recently announced EU anti-poverty strategy, is more crucial than ever. However, we need more than just quick fixes; we need the commitment of European states to successfully implement the Child Guarantee and ensure long-term social equity for the entire region.

Take Albania, for example, a country on the path to EU accession. Bold initiatives like the European Child Guarantee show how EU policies can be used as models to strengthen national protections, making a huge difference in the lives of children, both at home and abroad. My colleague Blerina Celoaliaj recently put it best, “Two years ago, I couldn’t have imagined presenting Albania’s progress on the Child Guarantee today. But here we are, a testament to the power of collective efforts between EU institutions and CSOs.”

Stronger engagement with civil society and empowering children as champions is key to our work. Projects like ‘Hot and Happening: Child climate champions reversing climate change’, funded by the EU and collaboratively implemented by Save the Children Netherlands, Sweden, Lithuania, Romania, EU institutions and Albania, show how we can tackle pressing issues like climate change together, united as a movement. The EU’s climate ambitions will be achieved when the European Green Deal moves beyond paper and delivers tangible benefits for those most at risk. Children worldwide are on the front lines of climate change, and their futures depend on bold, comprehensive action, including international development and humanitarian climate work.

Disappointment and hope

But, of course, not everything is positive. When Ursula von der Leyen spoke at the European Parliament on 18 July, I noticed something troubling as I watched her speech. Her pitch for a second term focused heavily on defense, trade, and internal European geopolitics, neglecting people’s needs and human rights.

She didn’t mention how Europe's borders have become a graveyard for children fleeing conflict and persecution. This is why we must push for a child-rights-centred implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, shifting priorities in the European Parliament, challenging a security-first approach, and ultimately ensuring that every migrant child, especially unaccompanied minors, is safe and cared for.

I also thought about children in Gaza, Mali or Haiti. How can we ensure the EU’s inward focus does not overshadow its global responsibilities? Responsibilities like humanitarian aid and support for fragile states. A child from one of our programmes said it best: “We need your help to stay safe and have a future.” Programmes like RIRE (Integrated Rapid Response for Children) in the Central Sahel, funded by the EU humanitarian budget, are lifelines for children. They offer education, protection and mental health support, reinforcing the EU’s global humanitarian role.

Save the Children’s mission is clear: to protect and support children everywhere. This involves holding leaders accountable for their promises. Whether it's our work in Sudan or our advocacy in Brussels, we prioritise children's rights and keep critical issues at the forefront.

And when we question how to gain the new EU leadership’s support for our efforts, we should look back at the progress we have made. The EU's legacy as a principled aid donor, defender of children’s rights, and champion of sustainable development must keep Europe a beacon of progress and protection for the most vulnerable. Children like Balta are watching and relying on us. As we start this new political term, let’s make sure that children are a driving force for change worldwide.