
Across Europe, one in four children faces poverty or social exclusion, with vulnerable groups—such as migrants, refugees, and children from disadvantaged families—bearing the greatest burden. These disparities were worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the urgent need for more equitable access to health and social services.
Early childhood is a critical window for health and development, yet investment in prevention remains low. Barriers such as financial constraints, administrative complexity, and lack of coordination across sectors hinder access to essential services—especially...