Eurochild’s Assessment Report on the 2014 National Reform Programmes

Drawing on the experience of the past three years Eurochild carried out an analysis of the European Semester with the help of its member organisations and partners. Based on a consultation on the 2014 National Reform Programmes (NRPs) and National Social Reports(NSRs), the compiled analysis provides an EU-wide overview of the commitment to fight child poverty and social exclusion. This year our analysis also identifies changes that are needed to strengthen Europe 2020’s focus on child poverty and well-being issues in the future and outlines our views on the functionality of the Semester process.

Key messages include calls to:

  • put child poverty and social exclusion at the centre of the European Semester – though the establishment of an EU and national sub-targets on child poverty and social exclusion; and through increasing the focus on children at all stages of the Semester
  • increase the use of EU Structural Funds to support the social inclusion of children
  • strengthen the social dimension of the Economic and Monetary Union and ensure that all economic policies are proofed for their impact on child well-being
  • strengthen Europe 2020 governance by increasing participation of children’s organisations in the Europe 2020 process
  • ensure annual monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the European Commission Recommendation Investing in Children – Breaking the cycle of Disadvantage.

Click here to read our report.