Interview with Ms Carmen Quintanilla Barba: Champion for Rural Women and Senior Citizens – A Vision for the Future of Europe

As the European Seniors Union prepares to celebrate its 30th Anniversary in Ciudad Real, Spain, from 6 to 8 November 2025, we speak with one of the driving forces behind this momentous event — Ms Carmen Quintanilla Barba, Vice President of the ESU, long-standing advocate for rural women, and a dedicated member of Spain’s Partido Popular.

We are honoured to conduct this interview with Ms Quintanilla in her dual capacity as Vice President of the ESU and founder of AFAMMER (Association of Families and Women from Rural Areas), at a time when her efforts culminate in the organisation of the ESU’s Anniversary celebrations in her beloved hometown of Ciudad Real.

Secretary General of the ESU: Ms Quintanilla, thank you for joining us. First of all, congratulations on bringing the 30th Anniversary of the ESU to Ciudad Real. How does it feel to host this celebration in your hometown?

Carmen Quintanilla: Thank you so much. It’s truly a great honour and a personal joy to welcome the ESU family to Ciudad Real. This city has been central to my public and personal life. Hosting the anniversary here is not only a way to celebrate our shared European values, but also to highlight the beauty and potential of Spain’s rural heartland. Ciudad Real represents much of what the ESU stands for: solidarity, intergenerational cooperation, and the active participation of senior citizens in political and civic life.

Secretary General: You are widely known for your work with AFAMMER, which you founded in 1982. Can you tell us about how that work shaped your later engagement at the European level?

Carmen Quintanilla: AFAMMER was born out of a conviction that rural women had to have a voice — not only in their communities but in the national and European political spheres. When I began this work over 40 years ago, rural women were often invisible in policymaking. Through AFAMMER, we built a movement that gave them visibility and, more importantly, influence. This experience taught me that lasting change requires persistence and partnership. These are values I brought with me into the ESU — where seniors, too, must be empowered, heard, and engaged in shaping Europe’s future.

Secretary General: As Vice President of the ESU and a committed member of the Partido Popular, what are your priorities when it comes to senior citizens in Europe?

Carmen Quintanilla: I firmly believe that Europe must become the most senior-friendly continent in the world. That starts with recognising the dignity, wisdom, and rights of older persons. As a member of the Partido Popular, I have long advocated for policies that support active ageing, improve pensions, ensure access to healthcare, and combat isolation among the elderly. But more than that, we need to create spaces where seniors can continue to contribute to society — through volunteering, mentoring, and civic participation. The ESU is a vital platform for this.

Secretary General: The future of Europe is a recurring theme in ESU discussions. What is your vision for the future, especially regarding the role of seniors?

Carmen Quintanilla: The future of Europe must be inclusive of all generations. Seniors are the guardians of memory, tradition, and wisdom — we are also forward-looking citizens who want to see a strong, democratic, and united Europe. I envision a future where seniors are digital-savvy, economically secure, and politically active. The ESU plays a pivotal role in ensuring that seniors are part of Europe’s evolution, not left behind by it.

Secretary General: Looking ahead to the 30th Anniversary, what message would you like to share with ESU members across Europe?

Carmen Quintanilla: I would like to extend my warmest welcome to all members of the ESU family. This Anniversary is not only a celebration of three decades of achievements but also a reaffirmation of our mission. Let Ciudad Real be a meeting place for inspiration, debate, and renewed commitment. Together, we can ensure that the voice of seniors continues to resonate powerfully across Europe.

Secretary General: Thank you, Ms Quintanilla, for your tireless dedication and leadership. On behalf of the entire ESU, congratulations again on organising this landmark event in Ciudad Real. We look forward to celebrating with you in November.

Carmen Quintanilla: Thank you. I am deeply grateful for the support of the ESU and look forward to welcoming everyone with open arms. Let this be a celebration not just of the past 30 years, but of the bright years to come.

Stay tuned for updates on the 30th Anniversary celebrations of the European Seniors Union, 6–8 November 2025 in Ciudad Real, Spain.