Dear Readers,
Springtime, at last! Yet, we know that the return of good weather can also be synonymous with a bad mood – sudden change, new projects, allergies… This year, spring brings it all at once, because we live in uncertain times and news breaks almost every hour. As unpredictable as this period may be, at AGE we have reasons to rejoice and look to the future with optimism. Here are five of them:
Firstly, after over a decade of discussions at the United Nations on the possibility of a convention on the rights of older persons, a historic decision was taken. The United Nations Human Rights Council unanimously decided to begin drafting such a convention. This opens a new chapter on the long but steady road towards enhanced equality and dignity for older people. The drafting of the convention is also crucial for equality provisions in Europe, as it will have to be translated into EU and national legislative and policy instruments. In the years to come, AGE members will play an active role in the drafting process and work hand in hand with legal and human rights experts, as well as national governments.
Secondly, the European Parliament launched an Interest Group ‘Europe for All Ages’ to promote age equality, seize the untapped potential of the ageing population and to promote intergenerational solidarity. The launch of this Interest Group is the fruit of a long year of campaigning by AGE in Brussels and our members at national level, reflecting our request to scale up policy ambition and coordination on ageing issues in the EU which we presented in the European election manifesto. Co-led by two Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) representing the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats and the European People’s Party, as well as supported by more than thirty other MEPs, the Interest Group is an open forum addressing the issues of ageing, longevity, the rights of older people, social inclusion, intergenerational solidarity, etc. We will use this Interest Group as a political lever to advance age equality in the current European legislature.
Thirdly, progress towards the first-ever EU strategy on intergenerational fairness is on the way. The strategy, as announced by President von der Leyen, should ensure that the interests of both today’s and tomorrow’s generations are addressed and based on the principles of equity and solidarity. As AGE, we want to ensure that the strategy reflects the equality and dignity of older people and their full participation in society. We see the strategy as the piece of a jigsaw in a broader European policy and legislative framework on age equality. We hope that it will be just a first step towards a European Age Equality Strategy, our recommendation in the consultation on the Green Paper on Ageing. Right now, we should all take advantage of the Citizens’ Engagement Platform through which everyone can influence the content of the strategy, in particular by calling to include in it an action plan to combat ageism.
Fourthly, although we are very disappointed by the European Commission’s intention to withdraw the draft horizontal directive on equal treatment – designed to prohibit discrimination in access to goods and services – the battle is not over. There is a 6-month period during which the Commission will listen to the institutional actors and civil society about its intention. Therefore, over the coming months, we will be keeping up the pressure on policymakers to maintain the draft proposal to, eventually, to adopt it as soon as possible. Abandoning this key EU legislation, even more in the current context, would be a significant step backwards in the fight against discrimination, including on the basis of age, and the protection of the rights of older people.
Fifthly, the forthcoming celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Second World War – even if it comes at the most troubled time in Europe with Russian aggression against Ukraine – symbolically marks one of the greatest achievements on our continent. The post-war reconciliation between formerly enemy nations laid the foundations for an unprecedented period of peace, democracy and prosperity, from which the European Union draws its inspiration. Today’s older people are the mothers and fathers of the success story. Yet, as recent events have shown, nothing can be taken for granted and we must, once again, stand together to defend peace, democracy and build prosperity for all. Young and old, we must shape Europe in the new contexts of climate change, the digital revolution, an ageing population and, alas, geopolitical instability. It is our joint responsibility to continue the unique legacy of post-war reconciliation with a shared vision, innovation, adaptability and agility for the future.
Now, in concrete terms, how can we seize all these opportunities in our work? AGE’s ambition is to have an impact on the implementation of the European Union‘s agenda, and more specifically to boost competitiveness while preserving Europe’s unique social model based on human rights and justice and, finally, build the Union of Equality which is both prosperous, resilient and safe. The upcoming AGE 2025 Annual Conference ‘Intergenerational Solidarity in Europe – Multistakeholder Dialogue’ on 17 June will be the right moment to plan our advocacy actions. Together with members, partners and allies, we will do our best to make this spring a season of hope. Looking forward!
Sincerely yours,
Maciej Kucharczyk,
Secretary General of AGE Platform Europe
Useful links
- UN Convention: Historic milestone for the rights of older persons
- AGE Annual Conference 2025: Intergenerational Solidarity in Europe
- New European Parliament Interest Group Debates Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity
- EU steps back on Equality Protection: Commission withdraws Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive
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