By Krzysztof Balon, rapporteur for the EESC opinion on Promoting European intergenerational solidarity – towards an EU horizontal approach.

The Treaty on European Union states that ‘The Union ... shall promote ... solidarity between generations."

However, ageism, negative attitudes towards certain age groups and demographic trends paired with multiple crises are dividing European societies and creating barriers to real inclusion and participation. These issues do not only affect older generations; they will also come to have an impact on current younger generations.

At the same time, intergenerational dialogue and positive influences on economic development would cover the needs of different generations in a sustainable way, strengthening democracy and social cohesion. Intergenerational dialogue would work as a form of civil dialogue.

We therefore need a new political approach to intergenerational solidarity – here and now!

The EESC therefore calls on the European Commission to publish a green paper on intergenerational solidarity. This should include proposals mentioned in the EESC opinion on Promoting European intergenerational solidarity, including those related to the world of work, pension systems and health and care services. The Member States, in turn, are urged to exchange best practices in those fields. To support these efforts, intergenerational solidarity should be established as one of the objectives of the European Social Fund 2027-2034 regulations.

Civil society organisations and social partners play a key role in planning and implementing specific policies. The EESC ought to establish an Intergenerational Solidarity Forum, which would provide a platform for exchanging information and experience and developing new ideas in close cooperation with civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders. With the participation of the European Commission, the forum might also monitor the implementation and development of the intergenerational solidarity approach across the EU.