Resolution on the creation of a European initiative for an annual designation of European Capitals for Children

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the creation of a European initiative for an annual designation of European Capitals for Children.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA and The Left groups.

Children play a crucial role in our societies. They are at the forefront of raising awareness about environmental challenges and climate change, the digital transformation and online safety, and discrimination and injustice.

They must have the opportunity to regularly come together and get to know and develop a better understanding of each other, thus participating in shaping the future of the European project.

Therefore, Parliament called on the Commission to explore the possibility of creating a European initiative to annually designate European Capitals for Children, in collaboration with local authorities and civil society organisations led by or working with children. Members stressed that the establishment of such an annual designation, with children at the forefront and empowered to actively participate in discussions as partners and future decision makers, will help children grow up into open-minded adults.

Moreover, the resolution underlined that the European Capitals for Children will help connect existing child participation mechanisms at local, national and EU level, including the EU Children’s Participation Platform and the European Capital of Youth, and involve children in the decision-making processes.

The European Capitals for Children aims to:

- provide evidence to support responsible child policies, with the participation of children and prioritising their perspectives, notably on equal opportunities, healthy growth and access to quality education, clean environments and urban development;

- promote children’s rights, including active child participation mechanisms and European citizenship education, as fostering this process from an early age facilitates the development of educated young people and adults who understand the values, objectives, history and identity of the EU;

- promote social inclusion, accessibility and equal opportunities for children, paying particular attention to children with fewer opportunities and the most vulnerable groups;

- contribute to the fight against child poverty, a comprehensive examination of children’s living conditions and the effective implementation of the European Child Guarantee by Member States by making full use of the available resources at national and EU level;

- serve as an opportunity to organise EU-related educational, cultural and sports events.