European Seniors’ Union Publishes Annual Report 2025

The European Seniors’ Union (ESU) is proud to announce the publication of its Annual Report 2025, a milestone document that reflects an exceptional and transformational year for our organisation.

It is with great pride, enthusiasm and a profound sense of purpose that the President and the Secretary General of ESU present this report. In 2025, ESU not only celebrated 30 years of dedicated service to senior citizens across Europe, but also laid down bold and forward-looking foundations to guide our work in the years ahead.

A central highlight of the year was ESU’s commitment to two landmark policy documents. The Bratislava Presidency Principles, adopted during the Spring Conference in March, clearly define the responsibilities of ESU leadership: to be proactive, accountable, representative and responsive to the needs of older citizens throughout Europe. These principles reaffirm ESU’s determination to lead with integrity, transparency and a strong, credible voice for seniors.

Equally significant was the launch of the Ciudad Real Strategic Action Plan 2030, adopted during ESU’s 30th-anniversary celebrations. This plan will serve as the strategic compass for the organisation, structured around three interlinked pillars: deepening engagement with the realities of senior citizens, broadening ESU’s reach across Europe, and strengthening representation of seniors’ rights and interests at all levels of governance.

The Annual Report also captures a rich calendar of milestone events in 2025. The Bratislava Spring Conference (19–20 March) officially opened the anniversary year under the theme “Lifelong Active Ageing: An Asset for our Societies”. The Summer Academy in Bruges (12–14 September) brought together experts, senior organisations and policy-makers to address “Demographic changes in Europe – Consequences for seniors and challenges for European governance”. Finally, the 30th Anniversary Celebrations in Ciudad Real (5–7 November) offered a memorable opportunity to reflect on three decades of achievements while looking ahead with confidence to the Strategic Action Plan 2030.

2025 was also marked by renewed leadership. ESU welcomed three new Vice-Presidents and Gnanam Seminck as Treasurer, whose expertise and fresh energy strengthen the organisation’s financial stewardship and governance. Notably, ESU’s Leadership Team now has a majority of women, whose active and dynamic engagement represents a significant source of strength and inspiration. The report also pays tribute to the invaluable contribution of ESU’s many volunteers, whose dedication ensures that the organisation functions smoothly, efficiently and with heart.

The President and Secretary General extend their sincere thanks to all member organisations, the Presidency and the Executive Committee. Their determination, positive spirit and unwavering commitment to defending the rights of senior citizens have enabled ESU to deepen its impact, broaden its reach and elevate the voice of seniors across Europe.

As ESU looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, the organisation remains firmly guided by the vision of the Strategic Action Plan 2030. Together, ESU will continue to advance age-friendly societies, promote active ageing, strengthen intergenerational solidarity and defend human dignity for all seniors in Europe—building a Europe that truly values every age.

The Annual Report 2025 is now available online.
Readers who wish to receive a paper copy are warmly invited to request one by sending their postal address via the “Contact us” link on our website.