Regional study visit to Međimurje

From November 12 to 14, UNICEF, in partnership with Croatia’s Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, hosted a study visit aimed to support the planning and implementation of the European Child Guarantee (ECG) in EU candidate countries. The event brought together experts and representatives from key ministries and institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and North Macedonia, alongside UNICEF representatives from these countries, for structured learning and exchange with Croatian institutions that played a leading role in piloting and implementing the ECG. 

Croatia was among the first countries to pilot the European Child Guarantee through Phase III of the Child Guarantee programme, implemented by UNICEF in close collaboration with national and local authorities, and numerous partners and civil society organizations, and funded by the European Union. This pilot included a comprehensive deep dive analysis of child poverty and social exclusion in Croatia, which served as the foundation for the development of Croatia’s National Action Plan for the Implementation of ECG. 

During the three-day visit, Croatian stakeholders shared their experiences and lessons learned across all key areas of the European Child Guarantee, including access to early childhood education and care, education, healthcare, decent housing, and adequate nutrition. The first day focused on presenting the strategic transition from the pilot phase to the National Action Plan, including the development process and Croatia’s approach to financing the implementation of the Council of the EU recommendation on establishing the European Child Guarantee. 

On the second day, participants traveled to Međimurje County to engage with regional and local authorities, institutions, and partners actively involved in implementing Phase III of the Child Guarantee in Croatia, as well as to observe measures and activities under the ECG National Action Plan. The field visit provided an opportunity to observe service delivery models and integrated approaches at the local level, with a particular focus on outreach and support for Roma children and met with institutions such as the Center for the Provision of Community Services Međimurje, Family center and the Croatian Institute for Social Work. Participants also had a chance to visit the Centre for Children and Families in Roma settlement Parag where service of half-day stay is being provided to children who live in adverse circumstances. This Centre is one of the five resource centers built by UNICEF during the active implementation of the ECG in Croatia. Delegations from three countries also visited the field branch of local kindergarten Pirgo in Roma Family Centre Kuršanec, as well as a Play hub in Roma settlement Kuršanec - equipped by UNICEF and partners during the same phase, nowadays run by the City of Čakovec.  

The study visit is part of the EU Child Guarantee Learning Lab, a recent UNICEF initiative to facilitate knowledge exchange and transfer of knowledge in the area of EU Child Guarantee. ECG Learning Lab is co-hosted by UNICEF Country Office in Croatia and Romania and serves as a platform to accelerate the implementation of the ECG across EU member states and to support candidate and potential candidate countries.  

By fostering this knowledge exchange, the study visit contributed to strengthening institutional capacities in candidate countries, promotion of regional cooperation, and shared learning. Furthermore, it supported alignment with the EU standards in child and social protection as well as advancement of the realization of children’s rights, especially those in vulnerable situations.