ESU Annual Report 2023

Our ESU 2023 Annual Report is available. As our current presidium-team bids farewell to more than a decade of dedicated service, this report serves as a reflection on the journey, accomplishments, and the transition of leadership.

We express gratitude for the joyful encounters, resolutions, and new directions undertaken in 2023. Serving as an ‘umbrella association’ for senior organizations across Europe, we explore the diverse landscapes of EU Member States and European policies, emphasizing solidarity, human rights, and social protection.

Our focus in 2023 is detailed in “Our focus of 2023,” highlighting encounters with peers, their life stories, and struggles for democracy and human rights. The report delves into the ESU Summer Academy, memberships, cooperations, and a variety of activities undertaken throughout the year.

In the Annual Report we also look ahead to “Embracing the Future with Resolve,” discussing challenges and the duty to closely follow European politics, advocating for seniors’ voices in decision-making processes. The report encapsulates the essence of active citizenship, passing on the heritage of experience, values, and norms to create a better society for all generations.

To delve into the details, please explore the complete ESU 2023 Annual Report. We extend our sincere thanks for your unwavering support, and we hope you find the report enlightening and inspiring.

We are pleased to announce that the year report has already been distributed in paper format during the congress in Bratislava on 8-9 February. Paper copies can be requested by contacting us via email.

ESU Annual Report 2023 – EN

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Events in 2023

Brainstorm on “Enhancing the Digital Skills of Seniors in the Slovak Republic”

Online

The primary aim of this project is to optimize digital literacy among seniors in Slovakia by developing lessons focused on digitalization for seniors.

New perspectives about ageing better

NIcosia - Cyprus

Regional Conference in Nicosia on new perspectives about ageing better

UN International Day of Older Persons

Online

President An Hermans has provided a message in on the occasion of the 33rd UNIDOP on October 1st.

The ESU joins UNIDOP celebrations in Cyprus

Foini - Cyprus

On October 1, ESU President An Hermans and Secretary-General Guido Dumon joined in the UN International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP) festivities in Cyprus.

Empowering Active Retirees in the Digital Era: An Inspiring Encounter

Kortrijk

On July 20, 2023, ESU-president An Hermans was invited to speak before a group of retired professionals in Kortrijk, Flanders on the topic: MIL.

News from the ESU associations: Thoughts and experiences to share

Leuven

The final morning of the academy was dedicated to the ESU-association's internal aspects and future prospects.

Martens Centre Survey on 'Regaining the Middle Ground for the Centre Right' and discussions

Leuven

The focus of the survey was on understanding the mindset of the European middle class, particularly their economic, psychological, and security concerns.

Advancing a Human Rights-Based Approach to the Digital Environment

Leuven

Patrick Penninckx led a presentation on fostering a sustainable, people-centered, and human rights-based approach to the challenges posed by digital environment

Europe as a task & Challenges for the EU

Leuven

3rd Day of the ESU Summer Academy with guest speaker Herman Van Rompuy, Emeritus President of the EU Council

'Europe as a Task'

Brussels

Insights into EU Governance: Exploring the European Commission and the European Semester at the Summer Academy

ESU's Visit to EPP Headquarters in Brussels

Brussels

Strengthening Bonds and Understanding: ESU's Visit to EPP Headquarters in Brussels

"Why Europe? - Presidency Meeting with Prof. Steven Van Hecke"

Leuven

ESU presidium meeting during first day of the Summer Academy

​​European People's Party Political Assembly in Munich

Munich

The EPP Political Assembly brings together representatives from all EPP member parties and associations

The European Day of Solidarity between Generations

Online

The European Day of Solidarity between Generations aim is to raise awareness of the importance of intergenerational solidarity and to promote dialogue.

Symposium CD&V-senioren – CDA senioren – European Seniors’ Union

Maastricht

A fascinating day on ‘Creating dignity in the final phase of life"

National meeting 'Generation 60+' in Bozen/ Bolzano

Bozen/ Bolzano

'Generation 60+' held an election meeting in which Otto von Dellemann and Christine von Stefenelli were confirmed in their positions.

The EU’s Care Strategy – Perspectives and Reflections of the ESU

Leuven

A European Care Strategy was at the center of the discussions at the ESU Executive Committee Meeting (EXCO), which took place on March 25, in Leuven.

ExCo meeting in Leuven- Side Event

Leuven

The ESU Facilitated meeting between the Chairpersons of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Belgian and Romanian Parliaments

Presidium and Executive Committee meeting in Leuven

Leuven

On 24-26 March, we organised a meeting in Leuven with Presidium members and Executive Committee members.

Biennial national meeting of Hoyre-Seniors

Bergen

ESU president An Hermans and general secretary Guido Dumon were invited to Bergen, Norway, for the biennial national meeting of Hoyre-Seniors.

A new EU healthcare strategy - Video conference with Sirpa Pietikäinen

Online

Besides some information on ongoing ESU initiatives, the meeting focused on the new European care strategy.