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Towards a European Family Contract: A Framework for Child and Family Policy

Across Europe, families face growing pressure. One in five children lives in poverty, while many parents lack access to affordable childcare or equitable parental leave. Fragmented systems, inconsistent support, and limited investment in families are leaving too many behind—despite clear evidence on what works.

At the European Parliament public hearing onDemographic change in Europe: Social challenges and policy responses (23 September 2025), experts and policymakers came together to explore long-term, structural solutions. Among the proposals presented was the European Family Contract—a practical, evidence-based framework for investing in children and families, introduced by MEP Niels Geuking and presented in detail by David Harris.

Our Managing Director, Dominic Richardson, contributed comparative data from the Luxembourg Income Study, showing that universal child benefits—set at 10% of average household income—could reduce child poverty by up to 80% in some countries. This supports the case for policies that guarantee:

  • Child benefits from before birth to age 18
  • Equitable parental leave for all parents
  • Affordable, high-quality childcare for every family

 
These are not new ideas—they are smart, cost-effective investments that align policy with lived realities. As Dominic stated,Poverty strikes at the heart of family functioning. When poverty and stress come in through the door, the space for love, care, and growth in the home diminishes.”

The hearing was hosted by the European Parliament Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), chaired by Li Andersson, and offered a vital space for aligning demographic policy with children’s rights and well-being.

Watch the full hearing.

Panel discussion on the European Family Contract to reduce child poverty

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