MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Violation of children’s rights in Italy: failure to hear a child, despite the Cartabia reform, and forced meetings with her father – E-001466/2025

Question for written answer  E-001466/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Pina Picierno (S&D)

Under Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, children’s best interests must be a primary consideration and children have the right to be heard in proceedings concerning them.

In Italy, the Cartabia reform made it mandatory for children to be heard in court. However, in the case of child L., whose mother, Frida B., has repeatedly formally requested to be heard through her lawyer, that right has never been granted.

L. is currently in the care of social services, who, despite having witnessed episodes of violence by her father, to ensure her safety, have organised meetings that she is forced to attend and are a clear form of institutional violence, at the local police headquarters in Venice.

In the light of the above and the EU’s recent accession to the Istanbul Convention:

• 1.Is the Commission aware of similar practices in Italy?
• 2.Does it consider this state of affairs compatible with Article 24 of the Charter and the Brussels IIb Regulation?
• 3.Will it monitor and take action on possible systemic violations of children’s rights?

Submitted: 9.4.2025