Tirana, 1 July 2025 – Albania has officially launched the process of drafting its National Action Plan for the European Child Guarantee, an initiative of the European Commission aimed at ensuring equal access to essential services for children at risk of poverty and social exclusion.
The European Child Guarantee seeks to ensure that every child in Europe, including in Albania, benefits from:
- Free early childhood education and care
- Free education and access to extracurricular activities
- At least one healthy meal each day in school
- Free healthcare
- Healthy nutrition and adequate housing
The National Action Plan will be developed in alignment with the principles and standards of the European Union, while also reflecting Albania’s specific social and economic realities. Its primary goal is to enhance child protection and promote social inclusion, particularly for children in vulnerable situations.
The process is being coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, as the leading institution responsible for child protection policies in Albania. Furthermore, since November 2023, the European Commission has adopted a common monitoring framework to track progress on the implementation of the Guarantee in all EU Member States and partner countries.
In support of this important process, CRCA Albania has undertaken the organization of a nationwide consultation campaign with children. The aim is to listen to children’s voices, understand their experiences, and assess the current situation in relation to the Guarantee’s five priority areas. The findings from these consultations will be essential in shaping a comprehensive and child-centered Action Plan.