Participation in early childhood education and care is rising for children under 3

The trend

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) can contribute significantly to children’s development by laying the foundation for future development and learning. In 2024, 39.3% of children under the age of three were enrolled in formal childcare or education in the EU on average.

As shown in the chart, there are significant differences between countries, with rates ranging from just 5.1% in Slovakia to 78.9% in the Netherlands.

Although the average remains 5.7 percentage points below the 2030 EU-level target of at least 45%, it has risen by 1.9 percentage points since 2023 and by 9.3 points since 2015. 

Several countries have made notable progress between 2015 and 2024, with increases exceeding 15 percentage points in the Netherlands (32.6), Lithuania (27.2), Malta (25.1), Cyprus (21.1), Slovenia (20.4), Croatia (18.4), Finland (17.8), France (17.6), Greece (17.5), Portugal (16.4), Estonia (15.3), and Spain (15.3).

Remaining barriers to participation

The Education and Training Monitor 2025 discusses the obstacles to participation in ECEC and how to address them. 

Limited availability of ECEC places, especially in disadvantaged areas, remains the primary barrier in most EU countries. The poor quality of available places and administrative hurdles, such as complex enrolment procedures, can further restrict access. 

On the demand side, high costs represent a major barrier preventing disadvantaged families from accessing formal childcare or education. Limited trust in formal ECEC services, due to cultural factors, perceptions of poor quality, and limited awareness of their benefits, may also deter parents from enrolling their children.

Access can be supported by prioritising disadvantaged children where demand exceeds supply. Financial barriers can be reduced through free provision or income-based fee reductions. Ensuring high-quality of ECEC can encourage families to take up available places. Factors such as lower child-to-staff ratios and better staff qualifications and training help build trust. Outreach strategies further raise awareness among households less familiar with formal care.

Background

The 2022 Council Recommendation on early childhood education and care: the Barcelona targets for 2030 includes an EU-level 2030 target: at least 45% of children below the age of 3 should participate in formal childcare or education.

This target is accompanied by specific targets for those countries that did not reach the EU-level target of 33% originally set in 2002. These countries should increase participation in relation to their respective participation rates as follows: (i) by at least 90% for EU countries whose participation rate was under 20%; or (ii) by at least 45%, or until they reach a participation rate of at least 45%, for EU countries whose participation rate was between 20% and 33%.

Disclaimer: The Education Chart of the Month does not constitute a policy position of the European Commission. Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for any use made of the Education Chart of the Month.

Please cite as: European Commission (2026). Participation in formal childcare or education rising for children under 3. Education Chart of the Month, February 2026. Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture.