On March 3rd, 2026 I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Hristo Petrov at the European Parliament in Brussels to discuss something I deeply believe in: the role of mentoring as a strategic policy tool at European level. Hristo Petrov is a Bulgarian Member of the European Parliament (Renew Europe), focused on social policy, children’s rights, and youth issues. He serves in the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and chairs the EP Working Group on the European Child Guarantee, advocating to reduce child poverty and improve access to services. He is also engaged in advancing the Youth Guarantee, supporting stronger EU action on youth employment and inclusion.
We have discussed that in the context of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Youth Guarantee and the European Child Guarantee, mentoring could be recognised as a cost-effective early-intervention mechanism – strengthening resilience, building social capital and preventing long-term exclusion. We both agreed that mentoring is not just a “nice initiative.” It is prevention. It is opportunity. It is long-term investment in human potential. I am grateful for the open and constructive conversation and looking forward to continuing this dialogue at European level.