The European Commission has adopted a new recommendation on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems in the best interests of the child, fulfilling a commitment in the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child.

It aims to support member states in adapting their child protection systems to protect any child from any form of violence using EU tools such as legislation, policy, or funding. This starts by preventing and fighting discrimination, providing targeted support, and fostering a societal culture of zero violence against children, it says.

There are 80 million children across the EU and the European Commission said violence against children “remains a significant challenge both inside and outside the EU”.

Dubravka Šuica, the Commission’s vice-president for democracy and demography, said: “Together, we must build a comprehensive system of support and advocacy for a secure and empowering environment for our children.

“Today’s recommendation is a step, with all actors and with children, in our journey towards a culture of zero tolerance of violence against children. This key deliverable of the EU strategy on the rights of the child is a clear example of how we are turning our strategy into action, and a reality for every child.”