As Europe steps into a new phase of leadership, we at ISSA urge the European Union to seize the unique opportunity and meet its obligations to place children, especially the youngest and the most vulnerable, at the very center of its policy and funding priorities, ensuring that these efforts are carried out in a coordinated and cohesive manner. 

Early childhood is a critical period, shaping not only individual futures but also the fabric of our society. Yet, despite the various ongoing initiatives that demonstrate an awareness of children’s needs and rights, there is still an urgent lack of explicit, dedicated attention and coordinated investment for the youngest and most at-risk children across Europe. 

Various current initiatives, such as the Child Guarantee, the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, and the Barcelona Targets, represent significant milestones that lay a strong foundation for advancing children's rights across Europe. To truly maximize their potential, these initiatives must be harnessed as interconnected strategies and have a unified focus on early childhood development (ECD). By viewing these efforts not just as individual policies but as a cohesive framework, we can create a powerful movement that ensures every child—especially the youngest and most vulnerable—has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

Prioritizing the youngest and most vulnerable children 

The absence of a dedicated European Commissioner for children in the newly selected team of Commissioners highlights the urgent need for European leaders to prioritize early childhood development. This is especially significant considering the current challenges facing Europe—economic disparities, migration, and conflict—which affect young children the most. 

For vulnerable children—those with disabilities, from marginalized communities, or facing poverty—access to high quality early childhood services is essential, not optional. The Child Guarantee is a key tool, but it needs full integration into national policies, with committed resources and effective implementation tools. Alongside the Barcelona Targets and the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, these initiatives must align and function as a unified movement toward embedding the rights of young children into the heart of Europe’s social fabric, making support for young children and their families a central priority. 

Sustained commitment for tangible change 

The First Years, First Priority Campaign has demonstrated how civil society can be a powerful advocate for change, but we need national and regional leaders to recognize and prioritize young children and their families with dedicated policies and sustained funding. The psychological and physical well-being of children from birth to age six is the most critical investment Europe can make for its long-term prosperity. 

We cannot afford to treat young children as an afterthought in broader policies. Instead, we must view them as the foundation upon which other EU initiatives, such as economic resilience and social cohesion, are built. Every euro invested in early childhood development is a down payment on a more just, inclusive, and prosperous future for Europe. The costs of failing to do so—widening inequality, cycles of poverty, and lost potential—are far greater. 

Moving beyond rhetoric to real investment 

Our message is simple: Europe’s future depends on how we care for and invest in the youngest members of our society today. ISSA urges all policymakers—whether at the European, national, or local level—to move beyond rhetoric and implement a coordinated approach, responsive to the needs of young children and their families, including the most marginalized. 

This means transforming policy frameworks into actionable commitments that deliver high-quality, inclusive and integrated services for all children, prioritizing support for vulnerable families, and embedding early childhood priorities into broader agendas and strategies. Only by weaving these threads together can we create a safety net robust enough for every child to have the opportunity to flourish. 

Europe must lead by example. It is time to focus explicitly on young children and ensure they receive the attention, resources, and care they need—not just as a future investment, but as an immediate and moral imperative.  

Calling on EU leaders for a European Year of Early Childhood 

Let’s rally together for a European Year of Early Childhood—a crucial step towards ensuring that policies and funding mirror the undeniable rights of young children and their families. By designating a year focused on early childhood, EU leaders can demonstrate their real commitment in prioritizing young children's well-being, development, and education across the EU. It is a political choice. We call on them not to miss this opportunity to put the early years at the heart of EU agendas, fostering a future where every child has the best start in life, and reaffirming that young children are the greatest investment that Europe can make.   

ISSA - The International Step by Step Association 

 

© Image: J. McConnico