On March 4, the European Commission presented its European Intergenerational Fairness Strategy.
While we welcome the recognition of intergenerational fairness as a policy priority, ESO-PES seniors regrets that the Commission and its DG for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture did not properly consider the proposals from older citizens’ organisations. They call for an intergenerational fairness strategy built on a balanced set of policy instruments that benefit all generations: children, young people 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 has not 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 to the strategy. ESO also calls for an urgent dialogue between the Commission and civil society organisations representing older citizens on this issue.