Kristian Vigenin: We owe protection and support to vulnerable families and children

“Support for families and children cannot be a campaign. It has to be a lasting goal, in order to improve the demographic situation in Bulgaria and in Europe. We owe children and young families support and protection. The daily life, education and development opportunities of young people have to be guaranteed. The European Child Guarantee is a flagship European Union initiative aimed at fighting child poverty. The goal is to guarantee access to education, healthcare and social services from the earliest age, and this is a real step against poverty and inequality among children.” This was stated by the head of the Delegation of Bulgarian Socialists in the European Parliament Kristian Vigenin at the public discussion “A future for the family: policies in support of young parents”, organised by the Social Democrats political movement. The MEP pointed out that for the next European budget he will insist on 20 billion euros being set aside for the Child Guarantee: “This is four times more than the funds so far and shows how serious our commitment is.”

Vigenin explained that the European Child Guarantee is being applied in Bulgaria, with the main goal of providing key services for children in need, such as pre-school and school education, healthcare, healthy food and suitable housing. He pointed out that since 1 April 2022 kindergartens and nurseries have been free, including food in the compulsory pre-school year. Concrete measures are being taken in support of children with disabilities and children from minorities.