Celebrating 30 Years of the European Seniors’ Union

The European Seniors’ Union is proud to announce the celebration of its 30th Anniversary, a milestone event that will take place from 5–7 November in Ciudad Real, Spain.

This gathering will bring together senior leaders, policymakers, and ESU members from across Europe to reflect on three decades of achievements and to look ahead with vision and purpose. High-level participation is expected, underscoring the significance of this occasion in shaping the future of seniors in Europe.

The programme will feature a series of Round Tables exploring key issues that define the role of seniors in today’s society:

  • 30 Years of ESU: Lessons and Legacies
  • The Silver Economy and Opportunities for Seniors
  • Bridging the Digital Divide and Tackling Loneliness
  • Seniors in Rural Areas: Challenges and Contributions

The conference will culminate in the adoption of a Strategic Document for the European Seniors’ Union until 2030, together with an Action Plan to guide the ESU’s work towards its next Congress.

Building on the energy and insights of the Seniors’ Summer Academy, this anniversary will be both a celebration and a call to action – a moment to honor our past while setting a bold course for the future.

Ciudad Real, Spain will be the stage for this landmark event, offering an inspiring setting for exchange, reflection, and renewed commitment.

We warmly invite members of the Presidency and Executive Committee to participate actively in this important gathering. Your presence and engagement will be crucial in shaping the ESU’s vision for the years ahead.

The full programme of the 30th Anniversary celebrations is available on the ESU website. 

MORE INFO: https://esu-epp.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CONGRESO-ESU-17-de-septiembre.pdf 

Events in 2025

ESU SUMMER ACADEMY 2025: LATEST UPDATE

Bruges - Belgium

ESU SUMMER ACADEMY 2025: LATEST UPDATE

ESU's Summer Academy 2025 - Meeting Report

Bruges - Belgium

ESU's Summer Academy 2025 - Meeting Report

Interview with Manfred Hopfengärtner, Vice-President of the European Seniors’ Union (ESU)

Munich

Interview with Manfred Hopfengärtner, Vice-President of the European Seniors’ Union (ESU)

Interview with Patrick Penninckx: A Lifelong Commitment to Democracy and Dignity in the Digital Age

Vallée du Valgaudemar

Interview with Patrick Penninckx: A Lifelong Commitment to Democracy and Dignity in the Digital Age

Stefaan Vercamer Reflects on his Presidency

Bruges

One Year at the Helm - Stefaan Vercamer Reflects on his Presidency of the European Seniors’ Union

Age with Impact: Peter Mach’s Passion for Civic Engagement

Strasbourg

Age with Impact: Peter Mach’s Passion for Civic Engagement

An Interview with Antonios Demetriades: Championing Senior Care and Community in Cyprus

Cyprus

An Interview with Antonios Demetriades: Championing Senior Care and Community in Cyprus

Safeguarding the Future: A Conversation with ESU Vice-President Cor Spreeuwenberg

Brugge

Safeguarding the Future: A Conversation with ESU Vice-President Cor Spreeuwenberg

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

Strasbourg

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

European Seniors’ Union at the EPP Congress in Valencia: A Strong Voice for Europe’s Seniors

Strasbourg

European Seniors’ Union at the EPP Congress in Valencia: A Strong Voice for Europe’s Seniors

Conversation with An Hermans

Strasbourg

An Hermans - 11 years at the head of the 30 years old European Seniors' Union

How Junior Seniors Become Carers For Their Parents And Their Grandchildren

Strasbourg

How Junior Seniors Become Carers For Their Parents And Their Grandchildren

Helping Senior Citizens Thrive in the Digital World: Insights from the Secretary General of the European Seniors Union

Strasbourg - France

ESU - Helping Senior Citizens Thrive in the Digital World

ESU Spring Conference in Bratislava - Confirmation of 3 new Vice-Presidents

Bratislava

The Executive Committee of the European Seniors’ Union held its first meeting of 2025

ESU contributes to Microsoft’s White Paper on Protecting the Public from Abusive AI-generated Content

Brussels

ESU contributes to Microsoft’s White Paper on Protecting the Public from Abusive AI-generated Content

Key Report on Age-Based Discrimination Adopted by the Council of Europe

Strasbourg

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has adopted the report Overcoming Age-Based Discrimination Against Older Persons.

2024 Annual Report

Online

Annual Report 2024

30 Years of the ESU - "Lifelong Active Ageing: An Asset for our Societies"

Bratislava

The ESU marked the start of the 30th anniversary celebrations with a Spring Conference in Bratislava, Slovakia, on 19–20 March

Important Decisions for Presidency Meeting

Online

One of the key points on the agenda is the appointment of three new Vice-Presidents

ESU at the launch conference of the 'European Year of Digital Citizenship Education 2025'

Strasbourg

Patrick Penninckx, Secretary-General, will be a speaker at the upcoming "Empowering Learners for a Democratic Future" conference.

Participation of Patrick Penninckx in the Upcoming International Seminar

Barcelona

International Seminar titled "Labour Shortages: Between Demography and Migration – Responses from European Workers' Organisations".

ESU Representation at the EPP Political Assembly

Brussels

The ESU participated in the EPP Political Assembly, reinforcing our commitment to the interests of seniors across Europe.

ESU - Yearplan 2025 – 30 years ESU

Europe

Yearplan 2025