Celebrating 30 Years of the European Seniors’ Union
Ciudad Real - Spain
Celebrating 30 Years of the European Seniors’ Union
Ciudad Real shines as ESU celebrates 30 years — and adopts the Ciudad Real Strategic Action Plan 2030
Ciudad Real, 7 November 2025 — The European Seniors’ Union (ESU) marked a milestone this week as members, partners and friends gathered in Ciudad Real to celebrate 30 years of advocacy, solidarity and vision. Over three inspiring days (5–7 November), the Congress blended celebration with purpose: honouring three decades of achievement while launching a bold roadmap for the future — the Ciudad Real Strategic Action Plan 2030, unanimously adopted in the closing session.
The atmosphere in Ciudad Real was both festive and forward-looking. Delegates from across Europe — long-time volunteers, new activists and political partners — came together to reflect on how seniors’ voices have shaped Europe, and how they will continue to do so in the years ahead. From debates on active ageing and digital inclusion to discussions on health, rural vitality and democratic participation, the programme captured the richness of the ESU’s mission and the diversity of its members.
A strategy with vision: the Ciudad Real Strategic Action Plan 2030
At the heart of the Congress was the adoption of the Ciudad Real Strategic Action Plan 2030 — a forward-looking mission that translates ESU’s experience into action. The Plan sets out an ambitious framework to ensure that seniors across Europe enjoy dignity, active participation and opportunity in all aspects of life. It is a call to policymakers, communities and citizens to recognise ageing as an asset and a shared responsibility.
The Plan, described by ESU leaders as the organisation’s Horizon 2030, aligns civic engagement, policy advocacy and partnership-building into a single, coherent agenda. Its adoption in Ciudad Real reflects a determination to move from strong voices to measurable impact — to bring European values to life in every community.
From host city to European Capital of Seniors
Ciudad Real itself played a starring role. The capital of La Mancha — famous as the land of Don Quixote — became the living symbol of ESU’s new vision. But in the capital of La Mancha, we did not fight windmills as Don Quixote once did; we came determined to tackle the real challenges and needs of seniors across Europe.
Local authorities, civic groups and residents embraced the event with pride and partnership. Together with ESU, they shared a common ambition: to make Ciudad Real a model for inclusive ageing and intergenerational harmony — to transform it into the European Capital of Seniors.
This is more than a symbolic title. The concept foresees Ciudad Real as a hub of innovation, a platform for European dialogue, and a showcase of how communities can thrive when seniors’ experience and contributions are valued. Pilot projects, policy exchanges and cultural initiatives will turn this vision into reality.
Looking ahead: 2026 — the Year of Intergenerational Solidarity
As one of the major outcomes of the Ciudad Real Congress, ESU announced that 2026 will be the Year of Intergenerational Solidarity. The initiative will focus on strengthening ties between young and older generations, encouraging mutual learning and shared responsibility in shaping Europe’s future.
This theme — at the heart of the new Strategic Plan — will guide ESU activities, conferences and campaigns throughout 2026, reaffirming that building the Europe we want means connecting all generations in dialogue and cooperation.
A celebration and a commitment
The 30th Anniversary celebrations in Ciudad Real were joyful and deeply meaningful — filled with reunions, recognition and renewed energy. Yet they were also a rallying cry. As the ESU looks to the next decade, the message is clear: ageing is not a challenge to be feared, but a strength to be harnessed.
The Ciudad Real Strategic Action Plan 2030 sets a clear direction for the years ahead, and the declaration of Ciudad Real as a European Capital of Seniors gives that vision a home and a heart.
To all who joined us in Ciudad Real — and to every senior and supporter across Europe — thank you for your commitment. Together, as we enter our next decade, we will continue to champion dignity, solidarity and intergenerational unity.
The European Seniors’ Union is ready for the future — and the journey continues.