The Eurochild Podcast

What would the world be like without civil society and non-governmental organisations? Similar to the funding cuts experienced by USAID, cutbacks are now taking place across Europe. EU resources and political focus are increasingly being redirected towards military spending, border control, and defence innovation. As a result, programmes that support children, families, and other marginalised groups are being targeted. The threat is real and Europe is not immune.

The space for NGOs is shrinking. Across Europe and around the world, attacks on humanitarian workers, activists,journalists, and civil society organisations are on the rise. Populist movements are gaining ground, fuelled by government-led smear campaigns, censorship, funding cuts, and a flood of disinformation. Hate and distrusttoward democratic institutions are spreading. Today, with this episode, Eurochild launches a campaign to fight anti-rights movements.

What is the reality for children in Europe today? Are policies and promises truly making a difference in their lives? In this episode, we dive into Eurochild’s flagship report, Children's Realities in Europe: Progress & Gaps, exploring the insights gathered from 57 members across 31 European countries. We discuss the key findings on child poverty, social exclusion, mental health, digital safety, and climate change—highlighting the challenges and the good practices making a difference. Join us as we unpack what governments are doing (or not doing) to prioritise children’s rights and well-being.

What will Europe look like after the upcoming EU Elections? We analysed the manifestos of the EU political parties to see how these will affect the lives of children and young people. Far-right parties are expected to have 1/4 of the seats in the parliament. What is the impact of this conservative shift on human rights, the environment, EU funds, initiatives and social rights?

Hačarav means "I understand" in Romani. In this second episode of the Eurochild podcast on children's rights, we talk about International Romani Day, the influence of Roma culture in different countries, the demolition of Roma homes in Bulgaria and the European Parliament Resolution addressing discrimination.

Hačarav means "I understand" in Romani. In this first episode of the Eurochild podcast on children's rights, we talk about the Roma community, child poverty and discrimination.