While the Anti-Poverty Strategy provides EU member states with framework on poverty reduction, concrete measures on how to reduce child poverty are covered in the Communication on the Strengthening of the Child Guarantee – giving a two-pronged boost to poverty reduction initiatives today.
BRUSSELS, 6 May 2026 – The launch of the first EU Anti-Poverty Strategy today and a renewed plan to strengthen the European Child Guarantee sends an important political signal that EU and its Member State now have the means to address child poverty, said Save the Children.
While the Anti-Poverty Strategy provides EU member states with framework on poverty reduction, concrete measures on how to reduce child poverty are covered in the Communication on the Strengthening of the Child Guarantee – giving a two-pronged boost to poverty reduction initiatives.
With nearly one in four children in the EU still growing up at risk of poverty, and at a time when social issues are being pushed down national and international political agendas, these frameworks place poverty reduction back where they belong - at the centre of Europe’s social policies.
Luz Lurosa, Save the Children Europe’s Interim Head of Office, said:
“The European Commission has put child poverty back where it should be: at the heart of Europe’s social priorities. By framing poverty as a life‑cycle issue, the new Anti‑Poverty Strategy clearly connects child poverty to income, access to services, decent jobs, housing, social protection and stronger governance.
“In parallel, the new Child Guarantee Communication adds momentum, with a strong package of concrete measures that can help turn ambition into delivery. It keeps child poverty visible in the wider fight against inequality and opens new avenues for civil society to push for meaningful action across Europe.
“But important gaps remain. Without clearer MFF funding commitments, stronger outreach to the children most at risk, meaningful participation of children and civil society, and a concrete roadmap to strengthen National Action Plans, this ambition risks falling short. Save the Children and civil society stand ready to help turn this renewed momentum into lasting results for every child.”
Save the Children is a global child rights organisation working to improve the lives of children in need. We believe every child deserves a future. In Europe and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm.
