The welfare of Europe's children: Are EU member states converging?

Description

Whilst discussion of convergence in the European Union in recent years has centred around monetary union and the single European currency, it is the convergence of living standards that is the ultimate goal of European integration. This report concentrates on the nearly 80 million children in the EU aged under 18, representing over a fifth of the total EU population. Their progress towards becoming tomorrow's adults will help to determine the shape of Europe's future. The study analyzes the trends of child wellbeing in Europe over the last two decades of the 20th century and asks whether the current wellbeing of children in different Member States and children's life chances are becoming more similar or not. Firm recommendations are made for the measurement of child wellbeing in Europe, as part of what is needed to place children centre-stage in the debate on Europe's future.

John Micklewright, Innocenti Research Centre, UNICEF and Kitty Stewart, Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion, London School of Economics and Political Science

Is successful in raising consciousness regarding the situation of children and in adding to the current state of knowledge. Jounal of Public Policy. A welcome intervention into current dabates about policy for improving the welfare of children. Childright. It is important reading for academics across the social sciences interested in the well-being of children and youth. European access plus.