EU ministers disagreed on binding national targets for early childhood education and care at the EPSCO Council press conference on 29 June 2026, with Polish Family Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk (PfE) and Swedish Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed (EPP) arguing for flexibility, while Spanish Minister for Social Rights Pablo Bustinduy (S&D) called for enforceable benchmarks. The debate centred on the European Care Strategy and the proposed revision of the Barcelona targets, presented by EU Employment and Social Rights Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu, who emphasised affordability and workforce conditions. Funding also divided ministers: several Eastern European ministers questioned the adequacy of the European Social Fund Plus, while German Family Minister Lisa Paus (Greens-EFA) urged additional national investment. The Council will continue discussions in technical working groups ahead of the December 2026 EPSCO Council. The outcome will affect working parents, childcare providers, and regional authorities, balancing national flexibility against EU-wide quality standards.
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