The EU emphasizes the importance of affordable, high-quality early childhood education and care, asserting that a child's future should not depend on family background. However, childcare costs vary significantly across Europe, with some families facing heavy financial burdens. The OECD reports that gross childcare costs for two children range from €552 in Germany to €39,229 in the Netherlands, with Switzerland having the highest costs overall. Single-parent families often receive more support than two-earner households, and the percentage of income spent on childcare also varies widely, with the UK having the lowest share at 18%. The disparity in costs is attributed to differences in public support and market structures in various countries. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)