In 2024, 19.5 million children in the EU were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This figure represented 24.2% of children under the age of 18, down by 0.6 percentage points (pp) from 2023 (24.8%). At the country level, in 2024, the highest values were reported in Bulgaria (35.1%), Spain (34.6%) and Romania (33.8%). In contrast, Slovenia (11.8%), Cyprus (14.8%) […]
Protecting children from unsafe toys
The agreed draft legislation comes in response to a number of emerging challenges, such as risks relating to digital toys and the surge in online shopping. On 10 April evening, Parliament and Council negotiators reached a provisional agreement on new EU toy safety rules to enhance the protection of children’s health and development. The deal […]
Participation – YAMawards – All countries
The Young Audiences Music Awards, launched by Jeunesses Musicales International, celebrates innovative musical productions for young audiences worldwide. Entries include unique performances aimed at engaging and inspiring musical curiosity in children and youth aged 0-18. How to apply Applicants need to submit the application form and a production DVD. Finalists must supply a 2-minute promotional […]
European Commission and national authorities take action to protect children from harmful practices in video games
Coordinated by the European Commission, the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC) has launched an enforcement action against Star Stable Entertainment AB to ensure a safer, more transparent experience for players of the Star Stable Online game. In addition, the CPC Network presented last March 21st key principles to help the gaming industry comply with the […]
Over 500,000 children’s reading skills impaired by transport noise in Europe
The EEA briefing ‘The effect of environmental noise on children’s reading ability and behaviour in Europe’ estimates the impact of transport noise on the reading and behaviour of children in Europe. The briefing is based on a technical analysis and report by EEA’s European Topic Centre on Human Health and the Environment. Based on noise data […]
EU’s first medical evacuation operation of Palestinians transfers children from Egypt to Spain
On 24 July, the first EU-coordinated medical evacuation operation of 16 Palestinian children and their family members took place from Egypt to Spain. The operation was financially and operationally supported by the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), in close coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Palestine Childrens Relief Fund (PCRF) and authorities of […]
Eurostat: Spain had the second lowest fertility rate in the European Union in 2022
In 2022, 3.88 million babies were born in the EU, a slight decrease from 4.09 million in 2021. The number of children born in the EU has been declining since 2008, when 4.68 million children were born. The total fertility rate in 2022 was 1.46 live births per woman in the EU, which is another decline, after the small increase […]
Commission steps up protection of children from unsafe toys
The Commission proposed a Toy Safety Regulation revising the current rules to protect children from potential risks in toys. Toys put on the EU market are already among the safest ones in the world. The proposed rules will further improve this protection, in particular from harmful chemicals. They also aim at reducing the high number […]
European Commission and UNICEF ask for greater commitment to invest in safe, quality education for children in crisis
Around the world, children and youth are suffering greatly as a result of rising levels of displacement and protracted conflicts, with an estimated 222 million school-age children and adolescents in need of education. This number includes 78 million people who do not attend school. In light of this, the European Commission and UNICEF are advocating […]