Bridging Generations for Europe’s Future
Budapest - Hungary
Spring Conference on Intergenerational Dialogue and Solidarity, Budapest, 28 – 30 April, 2026
From 28 to 30 April 2026, the European Seniors’ Union (ESU), together with its partner organisations, gathered policymakers, entrepreneurs, experts, youth representatives, civil society actors and senior organisations in Budapest for the Spring Conference on Intergenerational Dialogue and Solidarity.
Under the title “Bridging Generations: Solidarity, Policy, and Innovation in a Changing Europe”, the conference addressed one of Europe’s most pressing challenges: how to strengthen cooperation between generations in a rapidly changing social, economic and technological landscape.
The event highlighted that intergenerational solidarity is not simply a social aspiration, but a fundamental condition for Europe’s democratic stability, economic resilience and social cohesion.
Discussions focused on demographic change, labour market transformation, digitalisation, lifelong learning, civic participation, social protection, and the opportunities and risks linked to Artificial Intelligence.
In his foreword, Manfred Weber, President of the EPP, stressed that Europe’s future depends on bringing generations together fairly and responsibly:
“Too often, public debate frames generations as competitors. This is wrong: it weakens the social contract at the basis of our European Union.”
Throughout the conference, speakers and participants emphasized that solidarity between generations requires active investment in dialogue, participation and inclusive public policy. Younger generations must be fully involved in decision-making, while older citizens should be recognised as active contributors whose experience, stability and social engagement remain essential assets for European societies.
The programme featured high-level keynote speakers, expert panels and interactive workshops covering:
• Intergenerational fairness in public policy
• Sustainable social protection and care systems
• Digital inclusion and AI
• Lifelong learning and employment
• Civic engagement and European identity
• Intergenerational cooperation in business and entrepreneurship
Concrete examples from organisations across Europe demonstrated how practical initiatives — from intergenerational volunteering and cultural projects to inclusive education and entrepreneurship programmes — can strengthen trust, reduce stereotypes and build stronger communities.
A recurring conclusion across all sessions was clear: Europe must move beyond narratives of competition between generations and instead build a shared vision based on fairness, responsibility and cooperation.
The conference concluded with discussions on the Budapest Declaration, reaffirming the shared commitment of participating organisations to strengthen intergenerational solidarity across Europe through policy innovation, democratic participation and community-based action.
Participants particularly appreciated the interactive format of the conference, the diversity of perspectives represented, and the active involvement of younger participants and partner organisations.
The full conference report, including workshop conclusions, keynote contributions and the complete programme, is available below.