On March 4, the European Commission presented its European Intergenerational Fairness Strategy.
ESO-PES seniors regret that the Commission and her DG for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture did not properly consider the proposals from the older citizens’ organizations. They call for an intergenerational fairness strategy built on a balanced set of policy instruments that benefit all generations: children, young and older citizens. A European AGE equality strategy, a European senior strategy or a European Action Program against ageism would fill a gap in this regard, alongside the already existing Child Guarantee and Youth Strategies. These proposals were presented to the Commission services during the public consultation process. We regret that the DG for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture hasn’t taken this formal consultation seriously.
An intergenerational fairness strategy must connect generations, foster solidarity, and under no circumstances polarise between generations.
ESO expects an urgent adjustment to this strategy in consultation with organised civil society, and that the latter, including older people’s organisations, will be closely involved in the follow-up of the strategy. ESO also asks an urgent dialogue between the Commission and civil society organisations representing the older citizens on this issue.