The European Day of Solidarity between Generations, which is celebrated today, 29th April, is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of understanding and cooperation among different age groups in building a fair and sustainable society and addressing an ageing population. SUSTAINWELL will contribute to that by analysing the structural changes needed on welfare states policies – pensions, healthcare, long-term care, taxation or labour markets – accounting for intergenerational solidarity. This could improve resilience to face challenges posed by demographic ageing and climate change.
In this context, the EU has launched a consultation to develop a Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness, aiming to ensure that the interests of all generations are considered in policymaking. Solidarity between generations is a founding value enshrined in the Treaty on European Union (Art. 3 (3), TEU 2012), and, for the first time, the EU has a dedicated portfolio on Intergenerational Fairness, lead by Commissioner Glenn Micallef.
(…) It shall combat social exclusion and discrimination, and shall promote social justice and protection, equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and protection of the rights of the child (…)”
Intergenerational solidarity is often understood as social cohesion between generations. The scope of family policies related to intergenerational solidarity, however, has been steadily expanding, from a focus on families with young children to the inclusion of all generations – an expansion warranted by rapidly population ageing. The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002) stated that solidarity between generations at all levels – in families, communities and nations – is fundamental for the achievement of a society for all ages, a major prerequisite for social cohesion and a foundation of formal public welfare and informal care systems.
EU Consultation on Intergenerational Fairness: Have your say and get involved here