The European Union (EU) is falling behind on its pledge to lift at least 5 million children out of poverty or social exclusion by 2030, with more children now at risk than when the commitment was made. A recent report by Save the Children reveals that over the five years since the pledge, about 446,000 additional children—an average of 244 per day—have been pushed to the brink of poverty in Europe, bringing the total at-risk population to 19.5 million, or roughly one in four children across the EU.
The report, Child Poverty: The Cost Europe Cannot Afford, emphasizes that child poverty is not an inevitable consequence of economic shifts or budget constraints, but the result of policy decisions, underinvestment, and systemic neglect. Child poverty imposes long-term social and economic costs, acting like an “invisible tax” by increasing pressure on welfare, housing, and justice systems, while limiting children’s health, education, and future employment opportunities. Lifelong earnings for those growing up in poverty are also estimated to be 20% lower, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage across generations.
Although the EU has made progress over the past decade, challenges remain substantial. Save the Children warns that without immediate and adequate action, the EU risks failing its 2030 child poverty reduction target and leaving an entire generation of children from poor families behind. Willy Bergogné, Save the Children Europe’s Director and EU Representative, highlighted that investing in children is both a moral imperative and an economically sound strategy, as failure to act now will cost governments more in the long term.
While some EU Member States, such as Ireland, have successfully reduced child poverty rates, many others, including Spain, Finland, and Belgium, continue to report alarmingly high or rising levels. These disparities reflect political choices, policy design, and the degree to which governments prioritize investment in children.
To address these challenges, Save the Children urges the EU to fully implement and fund initiatives such as the European Child Guarantee and the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy, provide predictable financial support like universal child benefits, and ensure universal access to essential services, including early childhood education and school meal programs. The organization also calls for a coordinated, whole-child approach that integrates health, education, and social support, legally anchors children’s rights, and earmarks specific budgets for child poverty reduction.
Founded over 100 years ago, Save the Children has a long history of protecting children in vulnerable situations and advocating for their rights. Today, it operates in 23 European countries and works with EU institutions, Member States, and partners to ensure that policies and funding prioritize children, both in Europe and globally.
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