Strengthening Child Rights Advocacy: ENOC Bureau Meetings in Brussels

In March 2025, the ENOC Bureau met in Brussels, Belgium, for a series of high-level meetings with key EU stakeholders working to advance children’s rights across Europe. These discussions provided an opportunity to exchange insights, reinforce partnerships, and advocate for stronger policies in line with ENOC’s priorities.

During the visit, the Bureau met with:

• Marie-Cécile Rouillon, European Commission Coordinator on the Rights of the Child, to discuss progress in the implementation of the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and ENOC’s recent and upcoming policy work;
• Ewa Kopacz, Vice President of the European Parliament and EP Coordinator for Children’s Rights, to explore parliamentary initiatives aimed at strengthening child protection and participation;
• Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President and Sabine Saliba, Secretary General of Eurochild, to align efforts in strengthening CSOs and ICRIs in their independent monitoring role

Key Highlight: Presenting ENYA 2024 Recommendations at the European Parliament

A major milestone of the visit was ENOC Chair Elina Pekkarinen’s presentation of the ENYA 2024 recommendations at the joint hearing of the EMPL and JURI Committees in the European Parliament. This hearing focused on the protection and promotion of the rights of children placed in alternative care. By sharing the perspectives and recommendations of care-experienced children, ENOC made sure the voices of this group of children are promoted and disseminated at the European level too.

Find the replay of the public hearing here.

Bureau Meeting at the Office of the Délégué Général aux Droits des Enfants

The visit concluded with an ENOC Bureau meeting hosted by the Délégué Général aux Droits des Enfants (Belgium/French Community). The discussions covered a progress check of the implementation of the ENOC 2025 work plan around the main topic of children’s right to physical health; upcoming events, partnerships and projects, and reflections on the meetings with EU stakeholders. The Bureau also discussed governance and strategic external interventions.