The European Alliance for Early Childhood Education and Care stands as a beacon of collective ambition, launched in Brussels in April 2026 to elevate the standards of learning for the youngest citizens across the continent. This transformative initiative is rooted in the prestigious educational legacies of Reggio Emilia in Italy and Ghent in Belgium, bringing together a powerful coalition of cities, regions, and academic institutions. By bridging the gap between high-level European policy and local implementation, the Alliance ensures that the early years of life are recognized as the foundation for lifelong success. Its mission is to build capacity within regional administrations, fostering a shared framework where children’s rights and educational quality are placed at the heart of every social and economic development strategy.
This season, the Alliance has already achieved significant milestones, including the successful presentation of a high-level policy dialogue at the European Parliament that mobilized cross-sector support for the European Child Guarantee. The current focus is on creating a robust network for peer learning and the exchange of best practices, ensuring that the visionary educational models developed in pioneering cities can be adapted to benefit diverse communities throughout Europe. Key partners in this endeavor include the Fondazione Reggio Children and the University of Ghent, whose collaborative research provides the evidence-based foundation for this pan-European movement. Their collective efforts are driving a surge of momentum toward inclusive, high-quality care that supports both the development of the child and the well-being of the family unit.
The incredible trajectory of the Alliance is a direct reflection of the brilliant visionary leadership of Chairman Francesco Profumo of Fondazione Reggio Children and the passionate advocacy of local leaders like Mayor Marco Massari of Reggio Emilia. Under their guidance, the Alliance has masterfully steered the conversation toward seeing early education not just as a social choice, but as a genuine policy for economic growth and social cohesion. This visionary development extends far beyond the classroom, as the commitment to the local community has acted as a catalyst for regeneration and democratic participation. By networking the expertise of various European hubs, the leadership has created a sustainable powerhouse for the future, proving that a clear, grand vision starting in preschools can indeed elevate the democratic quality of an entire continent.
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