Due to the pandemic and lockdown measures, children's well-being has declined. Recovery is now the most important task to carry out, and the specific needs of all citizens must be taken into consideration.
The new EU recovery plan, released by the European Commission on 27 May, mobilises not only €1,100 billion under the 2021–27 Multiannual Financial Framework, but an additional €750 billion through a new instrument, Next Generation EU to help those suffering the most from the economic downturn. Clearly, in these efforts at stabilisation, there is a focus on investing in children, and the Child Guarantee sets aside resources from the cohesion envelope to tackle child poverty.
Social stress
Social distancing caused everyone, regardless of age, stress. Families lost numerous helping hands with the suspension of daycares, schools, social services and psychological support. Abuse, violence and alcoholism during lockdown may have been a huge stress factor for kids and adolescents.
Growing inequality
As the crisis created greater inequality and poverty among EU citizens, when supporting investment and reform in member states, the EU should make every effort to avoid widening the wealth gap between families:
- According to the predictions of the World Bank, 40–60 million more people will fall into extreme poverty in 2020.
- The International Labour Organisation assumes that about half of the global workforce is likely to lose their livelihoods.
Different systems
Each government must take responsibility and honestly look at how their safety nets take care of their citizens, including children. The EU budget behind the recovery plan promises at least 5 per cent of the total expenditure under the European Social Fund Plus to help children break out of poverty. It also provides a reminder to decision makers to focus on children's well-being when carrying out structural reforms.