Verbatim report of proceedings

Tuesday, 16 July 2019 - Strasbourg

Statement by the candidate Commission President (debate)

  Josianne Cutajar (S&D), in writing. – As we speak, a new European Commission is slowly forming. The time is ripe for the creation of a new role: that of a EU Commissioner tasked with being the voice of children from across all Member States. As a Union, work has already begun on measures to eradicate poverty and social exclusion, issues that still plague over 20 million individuals who are not yet 18 years of age. Emphasis on child policies, as well as the implementation of a Child Guarantee, among others, are positive steps, but do not go far enough. The current situation still denies children access to basic needs such as healthcare and education. This should not be the case in our flourishing, thriving societies. Dedicated high-level figures are key in our fight against child poverty and exclusion, and will be important allies in the promotion of effective, child-friendly, legislative measures. To this end, I am proud to have signed Eurochild’s petition for the new role of EU Child Commissioner, and I thus urge the future President of the European Commission to take heed of this call for action, and appoint a passionate person with a specific portfolio on children’s rights. We must act now.