Towards a Child Union - Spain

Online Study's presentation - 20th November - 11:00 -13:30

On the occasion of Universal Children's Day, FEPS, together with Fundación Pablo Iglesias, presented their joint publication 'Towards a Child Union'.

European and Spanish Experts in education and public policies analysed the study’s results and provided insights on the situation of children in Europe.

‘Child Union’ is the progressive response to overcome inequalities between children and generations. It is an essential element of a New European Deal founded upon a reignited sense of solidarity and a welfare state that enables tackling inequalities whilst promoting collective resilience and sustainability.

This research project, conducted by Christian Morabito and Michel Vandenbroeck, aims at delineating the main features of a Child Union intended as a European programme to fight children's inequalities by guaranteeing access to opportunities for children, through setting-up Early Childhood Education and Care and protecting social safety nets.

Although Spain is above the European average in childcare programs (0-3 years), it is important to increase commitment to policies that fight against inequality and promote a fairer and healthier childhood for our minors. Especially since it is also shown that Spain’s rate of children at risk of poverty and social exclusion is higher than the European average.

While the abilities and skills necessary for individuals to grow up, live and be emancipated in the globalized world are developed right from the early years of life, so are inequalities. Policies to tackle inequalities in childhood are therefore an essential element in building the new progressive welfare - and societal - paradigm.

This project was carried out by FEPS, Reggio Children (IT), Pablo Iglesias Foundation (ES), Institute for Social Democracy (HU) and Progresiva (SL), to analyse how Europe could better organise early childhood education for it to be a real tool addressing children’s inequality.

Programme

Speakers confirmed:

• Pau Mari Klose, MEP PSOE
• Alicia Homs Ginel, S&D group MEP
• Alfredo Sánchez Monteseirín, Director, Pablo Iglesias Foundation
• Michel Vandenbroeck, Author of the research and professor at the University of Ghent
• David Rinaldi, Director of Studies and Policy, FEPS
• Margarita León, Professor of Political Science at the UAB.
• María Luz Martínez Seijo, CEF PSOE