The European Platform for Investing in Children (EPIC) presents a round-up of the latest developments in child and family policy in EU member states in May 2019.

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Each piece of news contains a link to the original source, which may be in a language other than English. In most cases, they are press releases from the relevant ministries.

Belgium: Personalised support for students in the French-speaking community

On 02 May 2019, the regional government adopted a new Code regarding the official core curriculum for the French-speaking community of Belgium. The Code includes the provision of personalised support for every student throughout their time in compulsory education. This measure aims to reduce the number of children repeating a class by at least 50 per cent by 2030.

Croatia: National Youth Strategy to be adopted for 2019-2024

Following roundtables and forums with current students in May 2019, Croatia’s new Youth Strategy for 2019-2024 will soon be put to a public consultation before being officially adopted. The strategy was developed by a working group composed of representatives of national bodies, scientific and educational institutions, employers and trade unions and aims to provide young people with key tools and skills that are needed to integrate into the labour market.  

Germany: Youth Policy Days introduced a dialogue between government and young people

On 10 May 2019, the government launched the Youth Policy Days: three days of discussion and workshops attended by 450 young people aged 16 to 27 from across Germany. During this youth forum, dialogue between the attendees and multiple government bodies touched upon topics such as education and work, democracy, the environment and health. Recommendations resulting from the discussions will be incorporated in the national youth strategy that is currently under development.

Ireland: Launch of the strategy for early childhood’s first implementation plan

On 22 May 2019, the Irish government unveiled the initial implementation plan for ‘First 5’: the country’s first ever strategy for early childhood. This ten-year strategy aims to provide more options allowing parents to balance work and care responsibilities, a new model of parenting support, a dedicated child health workforce, a new funding model for Early Leaning and Care (ELC), and measures to tackle early childhood poverty. The initial implementation plan covers the first phase of the strategy and outlines the steps that will be taken between 2019 and 2021.

Poland: 500 Plus child benefit made available to all children

The Polish senate has adopted a legislative amendment that will allow more children to receive the ‘Family 500 Plus’ child benefit. Until now, this benefit was only available for families with a low income and for families with more than one child. Following this amendment, all children under 18 will be entitled to receive the benefit.

Romania: Bucharest Declaration on child participation presents key recommendations

A conference on ‘Children’s Participation in Decision and Policy Making at EU level’ took place between 06 and 07 May 2019. The Romanian Children’s Board presented the ‘Bucharest Children’s Declaration’, which sets out key recommendations relating to the participation of children and young people in policymaking processes at EU and member state level. The conference was organised by the Romanian Ministry of Labour and Social Justice with the support of UNICEF Romania and was attended by more than 60 children.