Socialists campaign for more child care in Europe

14 March 2007

As the Party of European Socialists launched its child care campaign in Strasbourg, Socialist MEPs welcomed the commitment of the Council and the Commission to support progress in pre-school childcare in the EU.

Socialist Group Leader, Martin Schulz, said "the campaign for child care across the EU has been inspired by Socialists. We will all work enthusiastically to support the "Putting Children First" childcare campaign launched by the Party of European Socialists, personally supported by Ségolène Royal and others.

Speaking in the European Parliament Socialist-inspired child care debate, Social Affairs Commissioner Vladimir Spidla said that 'the Commission is ready to use Structural Funds and Best Practice to achieve the Barcelona goals.'

In Barcelona, five years ago this week, member states agreed to create child care provision for 90% of children aged between 3 and the mandatory school age, and for 33% of children under school age.

"Child care infra-structure is a key component in achieving a work-life balance as regards child-care" he added.

"Access to affordable child care is part of the European Employment Strategy. We have to help citizens in their desire to have children and reconcile a family life with a professional life," said German Minister of State for Europe, Günter Gloser.

Five years after Barcelona, "there's still a long way to go", said Günter Gloser. Only 5 EU countries - Denmark, Belgium, France, Sweden and Holland have achieved the 33% target.


Read the full press release of the Socialist group in the European Parliament

Read the speech of European Commissioner Vladimir Spidla on child care to the European Parliament