34th United Nations International Day of Older Persons
Online
Looking ahead to 1th October 2024
On Pentecost 2024, we lost a dear friend who we will forever cherish in our hearts: Guido Dumon (30.12.1949-19.05.2024)
Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide
Let’s celebrate our engagement in the global movement for the promotion of older persons’ rights
Since its foundation in 1995, the European Seniors’ Union has been a meeting place for men and women who believe in Europe. The story of Europe is not only written by Heads of States and Governments, but also by its people, taking responsibility together.
The future of Europe? That is a future in which we can be at home and in which future generations can find peace and prosperity. This is not yet achieved. It should be developed further every day. For us, the generations that saw Europe grow, every day is a challenge to take these issues forward. Together with younger generations, policy makers at all levels, especially our politicians at the European level, and engaged citizens. A Europe of solidarity, where there is room for the unique story of every human being: that is our Europe. Let us make it happen.
The European Seniors’ Union (ESU) is the largest political seniors’ organisation in Europe, member association of the European People’s Party (EPP) and is represented in 27 states with 34 organisations and about 1.269.000 members.
We believe in people of all generations to lead Europe out of the recent crises. We want our economies to return to growth that produces jobs, with young people looking to their future with confidence, seniors feeling proud of their accomplishments and families protected and strengthened to endorse the challenges and risks of changing societies. One of the key challenges of today’s societies is demographic change. The EU, the Member States and all citizens, together we are called to cope with the gains, strengths and limitations of ageing societies. We, senior citizens, want to be part of a better Europe for all ages.
No age-discrimination
Everyone, regardless of age, gender or dependency is entitled to enjoy the fundamental human rights, lead a life of dignity and independence and participate in social and cultural life.
An age-friendly society
An age-friendly society is an effective approach for responding to demographic changes
– based on a positive attitude to ageing,
– with services and structures accessible to all,
– enabling active participation and involvement,
– providing protection, support and empowerment.
Active ageing
An inclusive labour market enabling older workers to remain at work for longer. Use and promote age diversity and intergenerational learning.
Intergenerational solidarity
Adequate, fair and sustainable social protection systems (health care, long-term care, pensions,…) for both current and future generations.
Human dignity for the most vulnerable
Improvement of the application of universal human standards to persons of all stages of life, also to persons who have reached old age and, in particular, the most vulnerable older people, people at risk of poverty, abuse, loneliness,…
Learn from each other
Europewide networks and movements to mainstream the promotion of an age-friendly society in all relevant EU policy processes and funding programmes to create synergies and support action at all levels.
A challenge for all
The European Union, governments at all levels, researchers, stakeholders, the media, civil society and all citizens are called to create, promote and stimulate a long life society, respecting all age groups.
The ESU is dedicated to the advancement of senior citizens’ rights throughout Europe and the promotion of senior-related issues within the European People’s Party.
Together with its member organisations, the ESU organises each year several activitities all over Europe.
Looking ahead to 1th October 2024
Across Europe, various Member Associations of ESU have marked the UNIDOP with inspiring initiatives.
The European Seniors' Union addressed an open letter to President von der Leyen, highlighting the concerns of seniors in European policy making.
Our President, Stefaan Vercamer, represented the ESU at the 20th anniversary celebration of N.Si’s Seniors Organisation (Slovenia)
During our online conference we reflected on the recent European elections
The EPP Political Assembly, chaired by Manfred Weber, focused on election outcomes, the Bucharest Manifesto, and support for Ursula von der Leyen.
On Pentecost 2024, we lost a dear friend who we will forever cherish in our hearts: Guido Dumon
As we approach the upcoming European Elections on June 9th, 2024, it is crucial that we, as seniors, recognize our role in shaping the future of our continent.
For over a decade, An Hermans has served as the President of the European Seniors' Union, alongside the Secretary General Guido Dumon.
ESU Election Congress
The congress was marked by informative discussions and a focus on the active participation of seniors in society
Our ESU 2023 Annual Report is available
The primary aim of this project is to optimize digital literacy among seniors in Slovakia by developing lessons focused on digitalization for seniors.
Regional Conference in Nicosia on new perspectives about ageing better
President An Hermans has provided a message in on the occasion of the 33rd UNIDOP on October 1st.
On October 1, ESU President An Hermans and Secretary-General Guido Dumon joined in the UN International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP) festivities in Cyprus.
On July 20, 2023, ESU-president An Hermans was invited to speak before a group of retired professionals in Kortrijk, Flanders on the topic: MIL.
The final morning of the academy was dedicated to the ESU-association's internal aspects and future prospects.
The focus of the survey was on understanding the mindset of the European middle class, particularly their economic, psychological, and security concerns.
Patrick Penninckx led a presentation on fostering a sustainable, people-centered, and human rights-based approach to the challenges posed by digital environment
3rd Day of the ESU Summer Academy with guest speaker Herman Van Rompuy, Emeritus President of the EU Council
Insights into EU Governance: Exploring the European Commission and the European Semester at the Summer Academy
Strengthening Bonds and Understanding: ESU's Visit to EPP Headquarters in Brussels
ESU presidium meeting during first day of the Summer Academy
The EPP Political Assembly brings together representatives from all EPP member parties and associations
The European Day of Solidarity between Generations aim is to raise awareness of the importance of intergenerational solidarity and to promote dialogue.
A fascinating day on ‘Creating dignity in the final phase of life"
'Generation 60+' held an election meeting in which Otto von Dellemann and Christine von Stefenelli were confirmed in their positions.
A European Care Strategy was at the center of the discussions at the ESU Executive Committee Meeting (EXCO), which took place on March 25, in Leuven.
The ESU Facilitated meeting between the Chairpersons of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Belgian and Romanian Parliaments
On 24-26 March, we organised a meeting in Leuven with Presidium members and Executive Committee members.
ESU president An Hermans and general secretary Guido Dumon were invited to Bergen, Norway, for the biennial national meeting of Hoyre-Seniors.
Besides some information on ongoing ESU initiatives, the meeting focused on the new European care strategy.
On 18 November 2022, a delegation of the European Seniors’ Union undertook a study visit to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.
Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region, has an iconic story for anyone involved in European politics; sometimes in the background but sometimes very close
In view of the upcoming Global Media and Information Literacy Week, we invite you to highlight the importance of media and information literacy.
ESU President An Hermans and Secretary-General Guido Dumon participated in the commemoration of 40 years of AFAMMER
On the 1 October 2022 we celebrate worldwide the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP).
From 23 until 25 september we co-organized the International European Educational and Scientific Conference on health care, social care, and new technologies fo
On 14th of September the ESU participated in an event organized at the occasion of the Czech Presidency of the EU Council.
After three years, nearly 60 people from all over Europe met at the Politische Akademie in Vienna for the ESU Summer Academy.
An Hermans was invited by the Council of Europe to compile an informative brochure on the subject of digital literacy within the senior generation.
This side-event concerning ‘What does the Green Deal mean for our way of life?’ during EPP Congress in Rotterdam
ESU intervention at the Congress and Election of Manfred Weber as EPP President and EPP leadership
ESU Northern and Baltic Countries Regional Conference took place from 19-21 May; the central theme was: 'Life with Covid-19; new tasks & challenges for seniors.
In early April, Volodymyr Dzobak contacted ESU President An Hermans. The interest grew to get to know Mr. Dzobak and his organization better.
ESU takes part every year in this awareness-raising campaign in order to draw attention to the concept of intergenerational solidarity and cooperation.
On 17 March we had our video conference on ‘War, tensions and threats at the European borders - How can the EU react? / What can citizens expect?”
the ESU president and secretary general were invited to cyprus for talks on the occasion of the UNIDOP, digitalisation and much more
A message from our president on the occasion of the 1st of October: United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP): ‘Digital Equity for All Ages’
25th anniversary of the ESU - ESU-Madrid-Congress 23-25 September 2021
Amendments to the ESU Statutes and Rules of Procedure.
Seniors focussing on EU's political priorities: ESU-Madrid-Congress 23-25 September 2021
Online meeting Executive Committee about the upcoming ESU-Congress in Madrid
Overview of the Country Reports at the Executive Committee on 3 July at our Summer Academy
Online edition of ESU Summer Academy presenting most recent information about EU policies relating to the EU challenges for the future and to age & ageing
ESU-video Conference 20 April 2021, 11h00-12h30
For ESU too, 2020 was an unforeseen year, our annual report gives an overview of how we learned from this abnormal year and tried to overcome the obstacles.
ESU-statement
ESU Video Conference 23 March
Videomeeting with Mrs Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography.
The ESU organized its first video conference of 2021, with interesting speakers such as: Herman Van Rompuy, Hardy Ostry & Rolf Berend on a post COVID-19 Europe.
On 6 November, the ESU held a Video Conference
On the 1st of October, we are celebrating the International Day of Older Persons for the 30th time worldwide.
This year the Political Party Nova Slovenija proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary.
The experience, research and reflection on older persons during the pandemic inspired the ESU to take various initiatives.
On the 27th of July, the ESU Presidium met online and discussed the ESU resolution.
To keep in touch during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ESU relied on a variety of media.
Letter from Prof. Em. An Hermans, President of the European Seniors’ Union
The European Seniors’ Union (ESU) held its first meetings of 2020 in Prague from 5 to 7 March.
The EPP held its XXVI Congress on 20 and 21 November in Zagreb, Croatia.
From 6-8 November, the Christian Senior Citizens' Association of Slovakia, together with the ESU, organised a regional conference in Bratislava.
On 18 and 19 October the presidium gathered in Berlin at the headquarters of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU): Konrad Adenauerhaus.
In its Resolution 45/106 of 14 December 1990, the General Assembly of the UN declared the first of October to be 'International Day of Older Persons.
‘Seniors standing up for Europe’ this theme brought together over 160 men and women from 20 countries in Sandanski on 27 and 28 September.
Already for the 10th time, seniors from all over Europe gathered in Vienna for the yearly Summer Academy at the Politische Akademie der ÖVP.
A message from our President An Hermans to the congress in Cyprus after the European elections.
A glance at the gathering of Cypriotic seniors on the 13th of May.
A Letter of the ESU on the occasion of the European Day of Solidarity between Generations
On the 24th and 25 of April, an ESU delegation was honoured to be part of the first Forum of Seniors’ Organizations organized in Minsk.
Report on the Conferencia Europea: ‘Con las Personas Mayores Avanza Europa’
Manfred Weber launched its ‘Power of WE’ in the House of European History in the presence of an ESU delegation,
On 21-23 March, the ESU co-hosted a Regional Conference together with the SVP-Senioren on several challenges our European Union is facing.
During the weekend of 22-24 February, the ESU Executive Committee was welcomed in Prague to gather with the European elections in mind.
On 6-8 November, the ESU participated in the EPP Congress in Helsinki.
On the occasion of the International day of Older Persons on 1 October 2018, the ESU released a message of ESU President Hermans.
The ESU was invited by ESU vice-president Janusz Marszalek to participate in the 10th Third Age Forum (5-7 September) in Nowy Sacz and Krynica in Poland.
On 6-8 July, the ESU organised its Summer Academy about ‘Europe’s Demographics: From challenges into innovative and coordinated opportunities'.
On 17-19 May, the ESU Regional Conference on 'Building Bridges towards solidarity and social cohesion in the Baltic countries' took place in Vilnius.
Am 27. und 28. April fand in Aachen eine ESU-Regionalkonferenz über 'Älter werden in den Euroregionen' statt.
On 24 April the ESU and YEPP a common statement on Intergenerational Solidarity and met with EPP president Joseph Daul.
To mark the EU Day of Intergenerational Solidarity, the Office of International IDEA to the EU and the European Seniors’ Union co-hosted a Symposium,
At the beginning of 2018, the ESU presented its annual report of 2017.
On 14 October the Senior Citizens Organization of Cyprus and the ESU organised a South Regional Conference in Nicosia around 'Technology & Active Ageing'.
On the occasion of the International day of Older Persons on 1 October 2017, the ESU released a message of ESU President Hermans.
On 28-30 September 2017, the ESU and the CSU-Seniorenunion organised a regional conference in Munich about 'Security and Trust - the Future of the EU'.
From 30 June till 2 July, the ESU held its Summer Acadamy around 'Europe's Future'.
The ESU and RSI organized a seminar on the relations between generations and promoting political responsibility of youth and seniors.
At the occasion of the EPP Congress in Malta, the ESU organized in cooperation with APAN, a conference on the "Future of Europe".
On 11-12 March 2017, the ESU and its Czech member organisation (SKS CR) organised a regional conference in Prague about the 'Quality of Life' of seniors.
The ESU Annual Report 2016 was presented in the Executive Committee Meeting (General Assembly) of 8 February 2017
On 7-8 February the ESU held its Presidium meeting and General Assembly in Brussels. A dinner debate was also organised by the KAS and ESU.
On 4-5 November 2016, the triennial ESU Congress took place in Leuven. Theme: Together for a safe and social Europe.
On 21-22 October 2016, the ESU and its Slovenian member organisations organised a regional Conference on Civil society and active participation.
On the occasion of the International day of Older Persons on 1 October 2016, the ESU released a message of ESU President Hermans.
'Europe must not fail' that was the title of the 7th Summer Academy (1-3 July 2016), organized by the ESU and the Österreichischer Seniorenbund.
For a two-days Conference in Budapest, the ESU could count on the Robert Schuman Institute, Fidesz and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
To mark the European Day of Solidarity Between Generations dr. Bernhard Worms organised the launch of the Foundation 'Youth and Seniors for Europe'.
On 6 November 2015 the European Seniors' Union (ESU) celebrated its 20th anniversary in the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) in Brussels.
On 21-22 October 2015, the ESU actively participated in the EPP Congress in Madrid.
On 16 September 2015, several delegations arrived in Larnaca for the ESU regional conference on "Elderly abuse and exploitation".
On 1 October 2015, the ESU organised a Food for Thought event together with the Wilfried Martens Centre about 'Europe's Senior Voters'.
On the occasion of the Internationial Day of Older Persons 2015, ESU President An Hermans wrote a message.
On 11-12 September 2015, the ESU and the Senioren-Union der CDU Deutschlands organised a Regional Conference around Lifelong Learning and Active Ageing.
On 9-10 September 2015, the President and Secretary General of the ESU visited Cyprus and its seniors' association.
On 3-5 July, the Summer Academy of the ESU took place in Vienna around 'Citizens' Security in the EU'.
On 20-21 March 2015, the ESU President and Secretary-General participated in the Convention organized by the Hoyre Seniors in Bergen, Norway.
Senior International, the newsletter of the ESU, is edited by Ulrich Winz.
The ESU is led by the Board (Presidium), which is elected every five years by the ESU Congress.
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