High-level EU conference on child poverty held in Nicosia

A high-level conference titled 'No Child Left Behind: Promoting Child Well-being and Fighting Child Poverty' was hosted by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Nicosia. The event took place over two days, with sessions held on Wednesday and Thursday. French High Commissioner for Children Sarah El Hairy highlighted the success of the European Child Guarantee, noting its role in aligning national policies and improving accountability, such as the introduction of a specific child-focused budget document in France. Deputy Minister of Social Welfare of Cyprus, Klea Papaellina, emphasized the EU's commitment to social progress, referencing the March 2026 EPSCO Council conclusions on investing in children. Officials noted that despite progress, child poverty and social exclusion rates in the European Union remain high, affecting over 19 million children. The European Commission recently introduced a new social package to address these issues, including initiatives for housing and disability support. Speakers underscored the importance of integrating these policies into national strategies to ensure long-term child welfare.