Over the last years, the European Union has placed child rights on its political agenda. One of the first steps were taken in the year 2000, when the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union was adopted. Article 24 of this charter ensures children’s right to protection, ensures that the best interest of the child is a primary concern and that children have the right to be heard.
Other articles are also of relevance to children, such as non-discrimination and the right to education. In 2006 the Commission published a communication, “Towards an EU Strategy on the rights of the child”, analysing what has been done so far at EU level to promote and protect child rights and raising the need for a comprehensive EU strategy, to ensure that child rights are taken into account in all EU policies and activities. The development of a comprehensive EU strategy on the rights of the child is currently under way within the Commission. The Commission has also set up a European Forum for the Rights of the Child, gathering member states, EU institutions, other international organisations, non-governmental organisations, experts and children to exchange experiences twice a year.
In 2007 the Lisbon Treaty was adopted by the member States. The Treaty will hopefully enter into force in 2009 meaning for the first time child rights will be included in an EU treaty, thereby expanding the possibilities for all EU institutions to work on this issue. This new treaty replaces all existing EU treaties and combining them into one.