Despite comprehensive welfare systems and historically high public investment in social services, child poverty continues to persist – and in many cases grow – across high-income countries.
This paradox was central to an expert meeting convened under the Horizon Europe Mapineq project (Mapping Inequalities Through the Life Course), which brought together academics, policymakers, and civil society representatives to examine the structural drivers of child poverty and identify promising solutions.
Key Messages
- Child poverty persists in high-income countries despite strong welfare systems, highlighting the need for policy innovation.
- National policies play a decisive role, but must be reinforced by locally tailored, integrated services that address families’ real-life circumstances.
- Intergenerational inequality and in-work poverty reveal that employment alone doesn't ensure child well-being—stronger social protection is essential.
- Universal child benefits, coordinated services, and investment in the care workforce are critical to building equitable and resilient systems for children.
Acknowledgement:
This publication is part of the Mapineq project, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the grant agreement No. 101061645 (www.mapineq.eu). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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