An international conference on the implementation of the EU Child Guarantee was held in Lisbon

From 18 to 19 June 2026, a multi-country conference dedicated to strengthening child protection systems, improving family support services and implementing the European Child Guarantee took place in Lisbon. The conference brought together representatives from Croatia, Portugal, Czechia and Ireland, including policymakers, experts, service providers and representatives of institutions involved in protecting children’s rights and well-being.

The conference is part of a multi-country initiative funded through the European Commission’s Technical Support Instrument (TSI), in which Croatia, Portugal, Czechia and Ireland are participating. In Croatia, activities are being implemented through the programme “Croatia – strengthening the framework for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the National Action Plan for the implementation of the Council of the European Union Recommendation on establishing a European Child Guarantee”, carried out by UNICEF in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy.

The aim of the conference was to enable the exchange of experiences, knowledge and good practices among the participating countries, and to encourage mutual learning on effective approaches to strengthening support systems for children and families. Participants presented the results achieved so far in implementing the project in their countries, discussed challenges and reform priorities, and exchanged experiences related to the development of services focused on preventing the separation of children from their families and ensuring quality care in a family environment. Croatia’s experience at the conference was presented by representatives of the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, in their capacity as the national coordinator for the European Child Guarantee.

An important part of the conference also included thematic discussions on developing child protection systems based on prevention, family support and alternative care, as well as on the sustainable financing of social services for children. Special emphasis was placed on strengthening cross-sectoral coordination, effective system governance, and the implementation of policies that contribute to the realization of children’s rights and the reduction of child poverty and social exclusion.

Participants also had the opportunity to learn about examples of good practice in Portugal through study visits to services aimed at supporting children, young people and families, and, through interactive workshops and group discussions, to jointly reflect on the next steps needed to develop more inclusive and effective child protection systems.

The conference represents an important step in strengthening international cooperation and the exchange of experiences among countries working to improve support systems for children and families and to implement the European Child Guarantee, with the aim of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stimulating and supportive environment.