Europe’s social and economic future depends on tackling child poverty and breaking the ‘transmission of disadvantage’ across generations, according to an official advisory report.

The report is designed to feed into an important statement on child poverty by the European Commission, expected later in 2012. It begins by examining key developments and policy drivers relating to child poverty and social exclusion in Europe. It then goes on to make suggestions for policy principles, an indicators-based monitoring framework and implementation/monitoring arrangements.

Key points

• Children in Europe are more at risk of poverty or social exclusion than the overall population – 27.1 per cent as against 23.5 per cent.
• Tackling and preventing child poverty will have costs but these will be outweighed by the long-term benefits for children, society and the economy.
• The European Commission should mainstream the objective of ‘fighting child poverty and social exclusion and promoting child well-being’ across all relevant policy areas at EU and national level.
• The Commission should also develop strategies that go beyond ensuring material security and focus on key aspects of child well-being – empowering all children, regardless of their social background, to live up to their full potential.

Source: Tackling and Preventing Child Poverty, Promoting Child Well-Being, Social Protection Committee/European Commission
Links: Report | Annex