Begging with children, and begging mafias

16.6.2015

Question for written answer E-009851-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
József Nagy (PPE)

Although schooling is compulsory throughout the EU, it is increasingly common, particularly in large cities, to encounter children begging, or adults with sleeping children who try to beg money from passers-by.

These children often lie motionless for hours in the same position in the adults’ arms, which is a quite remarkable achievement for a 3 to 7-year-old. The police are helpless, or at the very most, as and when incidents occur, they order medical tests. Often these children are helping the adults in their begging activities under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which clearly constitutes the offence of putting children at risk.

In a Europe of free movement and porous borders, begging mafias have formed networks across the continent, exploiting children who are the most vulnerable layer of society.

Does any EU initiative or pilot project exist to halt these practices?