30 Years of the ESU – “Lifelong Active Ageing: An Asset for our Societies”

The European Seniors’ Union marked the start of the 30th anniversary celebrations with a Spring Conference in Bratislava, Slovakia, on 19–20 March 2025. Around 100 participants took part in the Conference co-organised by the Association of Christian Seniors of Slovakia ‘ZKS’ (Zdruzenie kresťanských seniorov Slovenska) and our ESU. This celebratory event brought together members for two days of reflection, inspiration, and for future planning.

Under the theme “Lifelong Active Ageing: An Asset for Our Societies”, the conference highlighted the vital role older generations play in fostering active and engaged societies. It also reflected on three decades of achievements and commitment to promoting the voice of senior citizens in Slovakia and across Europe.

The Introductory speeches by Stefaan Vercamer, ESU president, and Patrick Penninckx, ESU Secretary General were followed by notable speakers: Marian Čaučík, Vice-president of Kresťanskodemokratické hnutie (KDH) and Mikuláš Dzurinda, President of the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies (WMCES). The 30 years of the ZKS were celebrated by Pavol Hrušovský, former President of Parliament and the Christian Democrats, Jozef Mikloško, ZKS Honorary President, and Miloš Nemeček, ZKS EXCO member, who each highlighted part of the history of ZKS.

Several discussion rounds, on ‘European Integration, Democracy and Solidarity: The role of the EU and Member States’ and ‘The European Seniors’ Union: Standing Up for a Europe of All Generations – The Challenges’ were moderated by the ESU Secretary General, questioning and challenging his invitees.

Dr. Peter Hefele intervened on several occasions during the conference, for example, on coping strategies for democratic changes and regional difference. Dr. Teona Lavrelashvili focused in particular on the role of the ESU in Society.

The conference was concluded by speeches from representatives of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, the European People’s Party (EPP) and the National Bank of Slovakia.

The participants, representing leading Christian-oriented senior organizations in Europe, praised the quality of the presentations and acknowledged the significant expansion of their knowledge about Slovakia.

Finally, the ESU President, Stefaan Vercamer officially closed the Conference.

This milestone event is the first in a series of gatherings planned for 2025 to celebrate the ESU’s 30th anniversary. Attendees can look forward to insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and contributions from senior leaders and experts. All participants joined in Bratislava to honour the past, embrace the present, and shape the future of active citizenship.