EDP Children’s Campaign
Introduction
Across Europe, too many children still face poverty, digital risks and families struggling to balance work and care. The European Democratic Party believes that children must come first — in every policy, every budget, and every political decision.
OUR PRIORITIES
Investment in nurseries, healthcare, early education, and parenting support must be a foundational pillar of European policy. Fighting child poverty starts in the earliest years.
We demand a harmonised framework ensuring equitable parental leave, support for single parents, and recognition of diverse families. Parenthood must be protected with dignity and equality across the EU.
A coordinated European plan must eradicate child poverty, building on the European Child Guarantee and the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child. We must ensure that no child is left behind.
Robust EU rules must shield children from harmful content, manipulative advertising, and excessive screen time, while promoting a safe, ethical, and human-centered digital environment.
Civic and digital education, rooted in European values, should begin in primary school to strengthen democracy, prevent radicalisation, and raise responsible young Europeans.
A European youth mental health strategy must ensure access to care, prevention, and anti-stigma campaigns, breaking taboos and building resilience.
Flexible working arrangements and telework rights are essential for a Europe that values both productivity and family well-being.
Families moving across borders should carry their rights to education, healthcare, and social support with them, reinforcing freedom of movement and equality.
A European Charter for Child-Friendly Territories would enable municipalities to lead in innovation and tailor policies to children’s needs on the ground.
Urban planning must prioritise green spaces, safe schools, and secure transport, creating protective and nurturing environments for Europe’s youngest citizens.
Protection must be real
Children deserve safe schools, safe parks and adults who listen. She calls for a true European Pact for Childhood, protecting the most vulnerable.
Safety online and offline
Harmful content and manipulative ads threaten children every day. He calls for a strong EU-wide Children First Agenda for the digital age.
Invest where it matters
Nurseries, doctors, early education — childhood should be about growing, not struggling. Europe must invest in children from the very beginning.
Listen to families
Parents need fair leave, support when raising children alone, and respect for every family. She reminds us that Europe’s foundations start with families.
POLICY BASIS & PACT FOR CHILDHOOD
The EDP Children’s Campaign is rooted in our political framework for putting children first in every European policy.
Two key documents guide this vision:
The full Policy Paper — PDF
EDP Policy Priorities – Europe Begins With Our Children
A detailed roadmap covering early childhood investment, dignified parenthood, digital protection, mental health, civic education, child-friendly cities and more.
European Pact for Childhood
A clear, accessible booklet summarising the same ten priorities in a family-friendly, multilingual format.
(Download the Pact for Childhood — PDF)
Bilbao on 21 November
Presented at our Congress in Bilbao on 21 November, together with Sarah El Haïri, French High Commissioner for Childhood, and EDP Secretary General Sandro Gozi, the campaign brings a clear message: Europe must listen to its children — and act. Watch the full presentation from the EDP Congress in Bilbao, as well as the four testimonial videos from our young speakers.
Take Action
Help us spread the message and bring this campaign to your community.
