On 17 October, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the European Commission launched an online survey to engage young people across Europe in shaping the future of social policy. The survey invites children and teenagers to share their views on the European Child Guarantee, which aims to ensure that every child in Europe at risk of poverty or social exclusion has access to the most basic of rights like healthcare and education.

These rights include free early childhood education and care; free education (including school‑based activities and at least one healthy meal each school day); free healthcare; healthy nutrition, and adequate housing.

All EU Member States are required to prepare National Action Plans (covering up to 2030) to implement the Guarantee as well as designate national coordinators and report on progress every two years.

Why children’s participation matters

The survey is being conducted via the EU Children’s Participation Platform, a dedicated space for children and young people to express their views on European laws and policies that affect them.
The Platform emphasises that children under 18 are invited to share opinions on topics such as access to education, healthcare and housing in their countries.

The new survey

The online survey invites children and young people across Europe to share their experiences and opinions on how the European Child Guarantee is working or could be better shaped.
The survey will remain open, until 8 December 2025.
The purpose of the survey is to help identify:

• What works and what does not in terms of providing access to crucial services for children at risk of poverty or exclusion.
• Where there are gaps (for example in early childhood care, education, nutrition, healthcare or housing).
• How to better incorporate children’s voices into EU‑level policy making.

Access the survey here

To read EASPD’s analysis of Member States’ National Action Plans and Biennial Reports, click here.