80 young Platform members from across Europe came together to create an important message through a Call to Action.
That they have hopes, dreams and concrete proposals to contribute to the European Union, in line with their own special rights as children!
This Call reflects nearly three years of consultation and discussion within the Platform on the topics that matter most to children, and in alignment with EU priorities.
The Call to Action from the EU Children Participation Platform has a huge role in every child's day-to-day life, making sure that safety, democracy and other EU values are represented by politicians across Europe.
Summary of the proposals for action and change
1: Intergenerational fairness
Children want a change in how society thinks and acts:
- End the blame culture: Adults must stop negative stereotyping and victim-blaming.
- Promote intergenerational dialogue through EU-supported events and campaigns.
- Support organisations that empower children to participate in decision-making spaces.
- Launch anti-hate campaigns featuring public figures, with a focus on valuing migrant and LGBTQ+ children.
2: Well-being in schools
Children want schools to be safe, inclusive, and mentally supportive environments:
- Make mental health support accessible in all schools across the EU.
- Renovate school buildings to ensure they feel safe and welcoming.
- Include children’s rights education in national learning plans.
3: Working together against hate
Children envision a Europe where diversity is celebrated, and hate is actively challenged:
- Expand Erasmus+ to include more children and schools, encouraging intercultural understanding.
- Promote language learning and cultural exchange across EU schools.
- Organise events and letter exchanges to build friendships between minority groups.
- Fund local projects and workshops that tackle hate speech and discrimination.
- Strengthen the EU Children’s Participation Platform as a tool for unity.
4: Online safety and cyberbullying
Children are asking for stronger protection and education in the digital world:
- Raise awareness about cyberbullying and other online problems.
- Equip teachers to educate children on digital safety, critical thinking, healthy screen habits, and safe online behaviour.
- Use Artificial Intelligence to detect and prevent online abuse.
- Punish companies that let children under 13 create social media accounts.
5: Climate action
Children are deeply concerned about the environment and demand urgent action:
- Invest in climate research and public transport to reduce emissions.
- Create green spaces and protect pollinators like bees and butterflies in cities and schools.
- Introduce climate education for all generations.
- Improve food labelling to highlight environmental impact.
- Recognise the link between climate change and war when making decisions.
Read the short Call to Action
How children shaped their Call to Action
At the General Assembly in June 2025, children joined workshops on key themes and voted on the most important recommendations.
Children selected five important areas where they want things to improve.
These match the EU’s own priorities and are directly linked to the rights of the child.
Supported by adults from the Platform, a group of young people then co-wrote the final Call to Action.
Call to Action: Children to EU decision-makersCall to Action: Children to EU decision-makers 
Working to prioritise recommendations for the Call to ActionWorking to prioritise recommendations for the Call to Action 
Serious discussions about our priorities!Serious discussions about our priorities! 
Voting on proposals for our Call to ActionVoting on proposals for our Call to Action 
Children at the heart of EuropeChildren at the heart of Europe 
Presenting the Call to Action to EU decision-makersPresenting the Call to Action to EU decision-makers 
Our team presenting the Call to Action to EU decision-makersOur team presenting the Call to Action to EU decision-makers
Everyone is valid and has something important to share. We just need to make them feel included and accepted.
What happens next?
The Call was shared by eight children with EU and national decision-makers at the European Forum on the Rights of the Child.
It’s up to the adults to make those ideas come to life.
Over the coming weeks and months, the Call to Action will be discussed within different EU groups and meetings to see what can be done.
We will create web pages for the five key areas to let you know what the EU and member countries are doing.
