New tools and knowledge for stronger implementation of the European Child Guarantee

Zagreb, 12 November 2026 – The project “Strengthening the implementation, monitoring and evaluation framework of the National Action Plan to implement the EU Council Recommendation establishing a European Child Guarantee”, aimed at further strengthening the implementation of measures to reduce child poverty and social exclusion, concluded today with a final event and presentation of results at the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy. 

The collaborative effort in Croatia was led by the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, with financial support from the European Union through the Technical Support Instrument (TSI). The project was implemented by the UNICEF Croatia Country Office and the UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Regional Office, in cooperation with the European Commission, SG REFORM. The project is part of the multi-country initiative “Strengthening the rights and protection of children in Czechia, Croatia, Ireland and Portugal. 

At the final event, representatives of the Ministry, the European Commission and UNICEF reflected on the project results and the importance of further strengthening the implementation of the European Child Guarantee. All key project components and results were presented, from improvements to the monitoring and evaluation system and the development of a digital tool for reporting and monitoring progress, to an initial analysis of barriers and hidden costs, capacity strengthening at national, regional and local levels, and the exchange of knowledge and experience among the countries involved in the project. 

Through the implementation of the project “Strengthening the implementation, monitoring and evaluation framework of the National Action Plan to implement the EU Council Recommendation establishing a European Child Guarantee“, the Republic of Croatia has made a significant step forward in developing a system for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the European Child Guarantee, positioning itself among the member states that systematically build capacities for managing the results and impacts of child-oriented policies.  

"We would like to express our special gratitude to the European Commission and UNICEF, who recognized the importance of this approach and with whom, through the Technical Support Instrument, we have developed solutions that will continue to yield value even after the project's completion. We believe that the experiences, tools, and methodological solutions developed in the Republic of Croatia can also contribute to the European discussion on how to ensure better monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the European Child Guarantee”, said Margareta Mađerić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy and National Coordinator for the National Action Plan for the Implementation of the European Child Guarantee.

During the project, results were achieved in several key areas: 

• the framework for monitoring the implementation of the National Action Plan was improved, including improvements to indicators and better use of data for planning, monitoring and decision-making 

• the developed digital tool for displaying and monitoring data was presented; it will support more systematic monitoring of the implementation of the National Action Plan and facilitate reporting 

• an evaluability assessment of the National Action Plan for the European Child Guarantee was carried out and the Theory of Change was reconstructed in order to establish clearer links between measures and activities and the results to be achieved for children, and to enable subsequent evaluation 

• an analytical framework for assessing hidden costs associated with children’s access to education and health services was presented, together with initial findings and recommendations 

• the capacities of professionals at national, regional and local levels were strengthened for planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating measures, improving the use of data and fostering cross-sectoral cooperation 

• knowledge and experiences were exchanged among the countries involved in the multi-country initiative 

The European Child Guarantee aims to prevent and combat the social exclusion of children by ensuring access to key services for children in need. In July 2023, Croatia adopted the National Action Plan for the implementation of the European Child Guarantee, which provides a key framework for improving access to services for children in need and reducing child poverty and social exclusion. 

“National plans are an important foundation for creating concrete and sustainable changes in children’s lives. This is why it is important to continuously monitor their implementation, understand the barriers faced by children and families, and use data to respond to their needs as effectively as possible. Through this project, in cooperation with numerous professionals from different sectors, we have supported the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Croatia to further strengthen the knowledge and tools that will contribute to quality planning, monitoring and implementation of policies for children. Our shared goal is to ensure that every child, especially those living in the most difficult circumstances, has access to the services and support they need”, said Luisa Brumana, Representative of the UNICEF Croatia Country Office.

Particular attention during the project was devoted to identifying barriers that may make it more difficult for children to access education and health services. Even when services are formally available, additional and hidden costs and other barriers can make them more difficult to use, particularly for children and families in vulnerable situations. Initial findings and recommendations related to these barriers were discussed with representatives from different sectors. 

An important part of the project was also strengthening the capacities of professionals at national, regional and local levels. At workshops in Zagreb, Đakovo, Opatija and Omiš, representatives of state administration bodies, counties, cities and other institutions exchanged experiences and acquired new knowledge and skills relevant to strategic planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the National Action Plan, improving data quality and use, and cross-sectoral cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on linking national priorities with the specific needs of children in local communities. 

With the completion of the project, joint efforts to implement the European Child Guarantee continue. The tools, recommendations and knowledge developed through the project are intended to contribute to better monitoring of the National Action Plan, improved use of data, and stronger cooperation among institutions and different levels of government. The goal is for the planned measures to result in concrete and measurable improvements in the lives of children, particularly those who need support the most.