Access for children in need to European Child Guarantee key services

This report by the European Social Policy Analysis Network (ESPAN) examines the extent to which the six key services covered by the European Child Guarantee are readily accessible and affordable to children in low-income households across the EU.

The six services cover:(i) effective and free access to high-quality ECEC; (ii) effective and free access to education and school-based activities; (iii) effective and free access to at least one healthy meal each school day; (iv) effective and free access to healthcare; (v) effective access to healthy nutrition; and (vi) effective access to adequate housing.

The report found that while most EU countries have mechanisms in place to ensure access to each of these services, these mechanisms vary considerably in reach. There are various financial and non-financial barriers to accessing these services. Among the non-financial barriers, the study pinpoints wide geographical disparities in many countries which create inequalities in access – particularly between urban and rural areas.

Read the report, here.