On 13 January, the European Commission officially launched its Expert Group Network for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, bringing together policymakers, practitioners, academics, and youth representatives to strengthen prevention across the EU. The Network will serve as a hub of expertise and guidance for the European Commission, supporting efforts to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation across both online and offline environments.  

The European Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs underlined that prevention is both a personal and institutional priority, emphasizing coordinated EU-wide approaches and adaptive responses to the challenges of digital abuse. He further stressed that protecting children requires engaging multiple actors from law enforcement and policymakers to civil society and service providers. 

Panels examined the challenges of preventing child sexual abuse at both global and European levels, highlighting persistent gaps between policy frameworks and their practical implementation. Youth perspectives were particularly valued, demonstrating that meaningful participation requires adults and institutions to be prepared to listen, adapt, and empower young people. Discussions also focused on the responsible use of technology as both a risk and a tool for prevention, as well as the need for stronger coordination across agencies to ensure that protective measures are effective and sustainable.  

The EOC EU Office was honoured to participate in this important event and contribute through our ongoing work in the SAFE HARBOUR Project. We welcomed the opportunity to bring the sport sector’s perspective, recognising that millions of children and young people participate daily in organised sports and therefore require safe, trauma-informed, rights-based and child-centred environments to appropriately support their development, wellbeing and long-term engagement in sport.