New EU Parliament must put the needs of children at the centre of its political agenda – Save the Children

BRUSSELS, 10 June 2024 – The results of the European Union (EU) elections this weekend will make or break the future of children’s rights in the EU, said Save the Children calling on newly elected decision-makers to keep the unique needs of children at the centre of their policy agendas.  

The election results show that the shift in power and fragmentation in the European Parliament may affect the EU political system, particularly in areas like migration, climate action, and the rights of vulnerable groups. Such polarisation may also negatively impact the European Commission’s agenda and ultimately undermine the prioritisation of children, their needs and rights in EU policies and funding.

Willy Bergogné, Save the Children Europe’s Director and EU representative, said:  

“Children’s rights are at risk due to multiple and compounding crises. Children are among the most impacted by economic downturns, conflicts, the rolling back of social policies, and delays in climate action.   

“Working in more than 100 countries, we see firsthand the transformative impact of EU policies and initiatives on the lives of children, both within Europe and across the globe. The incoming EU leaders must keep in mind their unique role and responsibility to protect all children. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and the future European Commission must mainstream children’s rights in their agenda, invest time and resources to ensure meaningful, inclusive, and safe participation of children, and engage with civil society organisations working for and with them. 

“As a principled aid donor, defender of rights and champion of sustainable development and climate action, the EU must continue this legacy now and uphold progress on children’s rights at home and abroad.”

To address this new political scenario, Save the Children has launched its own guide for EU policy-makers, showcasing why it is fundamental to prioritise children’s rights, what are the key issues to focus on, and what are the political milestones that should be achieved throughout the next legislature.   

Save the Children will engage with all the European institutions to influence their agenda and ensure children’s rights are at its centre. The goal is to continue the progress made for children over the last five years, such as the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, the European Child Guarantee and the EU Child Participation Platform, be prepared to face the challenges ahead and ensure a fairer and greener world for every child.