A delegation of Bulgarian experts, led by the National Network for the Children, participated in a bilateral seminar between Bulgaria and Spain on child poverty and housing policies in Madrid. The event was organised with the human rights organisation Eurochild and the Network for Children in Spain and was held in the context of the European Child Guarantee (ECG), the EU’s first policy framework and instrument focusing on tackling child poverty and social exclusion.
The training workshop in Madrid with members and stakeholders from Bulgaria and Spain was a valuable opportunity to discuss the current legal and financial frameworks and policies related to housing in both countries with representatives from ministries, municipalities and civil society organisations. The discussions identified gaps, key challenges and recommendations on housing policies for vulnerable groups in both countries.
Bulgaria, together with other EU countries, has submitted its Action Plan for the implementation of the Guarantee. Part of this plan is the care of children raised by single parents and children of Roma families or migrants living in poor conditions and poverty. The plan also highlights the lack of specific housing policy measures to support vulnerable children and their families in securing adequate housing. From the very beginning of the adoption of the EGD, the National Network for Children has actively contributed with expert work and advocacy, as the Guarantee is an instrument for comprehensive reform in policies for children and in comprehensive integrated support to families.
Experts from government institutions and representatives of the NGO sector from Bulgaria, Spain and the Czech Republic were with us to exchange best practices. Among the representatives from the Bulgarian side were Ognyan Drumev and Silvana Marincheva from the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Daniel Yordanov and Gergana Tsanova from the Ministry of Regional Development, Mincho Benov from Habitat for Humanity – Bulgaria, Georgi Georgiev from the National Network of Health Mediators, Elena Kabakchieva from the Health and Social Development Foundation, Mila Gizdova from the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria, Svetoslava Mitkova and Tanya Markova – experts from European Projects and Programmes, Georgi Bogdanov – deputy director of the National Association of Municipalities in Bulgaria, and NNC’s team – Georgi Bogdanov, Executive Director, Georgi Elenkov, Director of Policies for Children and Bella Damyanova, Coordinator of Policies for Children.
