The full report with key findings from a survey ran among children on access to key services such as education, health, housing, school meals and nutrition is now available online. It also describes children’s view on poverty and social exclusion.
Children from across the EU participated in an online survey complemented by interviews and focus groups between 17 October and 8 December 2025, sharing their views on the European Child Guarantee. The survey gathered more than 41 000 responses from all Member States and was conducted through the EU Children’s Participation Platform.
Key results
- Many children see progress and available services, but access is unequal in practice. Inclusion depends on affordability, available support, adult intervention, and being treated with dignity and heard.
- Education is seen as key and generally inclusive, but costs for activities limit participation. Children also cited uneven support, exam pressure, large classes, bullying, and gaps in support for disabilities.
- Health is linked to wellbeing and access to care, but children reported mixed experiences. Barriers include waiting times, costs, travel, limited mental health support, and not knowing where to seek help.
- Housing is viewed as essential for safety and wellbeing. While many report stable homes, others face poor conditions, insecurity, high costs, and risks of homelessness, especially vulnerable groups.
- Access to healthy food is seen as essential but uneven. Barriers include cost, limited school provision, and inconsistent availability, with quality affecting whether children eat the food.
- Inclusion is shaped by poverty, discrimination, and adult action. Children highlighted exclusion, stigma, and inconsistent responses, stressing the importance of support, trust, and being listened to.
Next steps
The input provided by children will be used to inform the European Child Guarantee and the Anti-poverty Strategy. The findings can be also used by Child Guarantee Coordinators to improve their national action plans for ECG implementation.
