ESU and the EPP Congress
Helsinki - Finland
On 6-8 November, the ESU participated in the EPP Congress in Helsinki.
To mark the EU Day of Intergenerational Solidarity, the Office of International IDEA to the EU and the European Seniors’ Union co-hosted a Symposium on “Supporting inclusive governance for sustainable democracy”.
Central guest speaker was: Ms. Marianne Thyssen, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Ms. Thyssen underlined the importance of the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights to enhance prosperity, fairness and social protection for all.
Representatives of European political parties and their Youth and Seniors wings were given the opportunity to present short statements, highlighting their priorities to promote inter-generational solidarity, in preparation for the 2019 elections of the European Parliament. A panel discussion on “Involving generations in Dialogue for Democracy and European inter-generational solidarity”, took stock of challenges, opportunities, and best practices of inter-generational cooperation.
Andrew Bradley, Director and Head of the Brussels’ Office of the International IDEA to the EU moderated the panel. Discussants were: Julia Krebs, European Students’ Forum (AEGEE Europe), Mathilde Poncelet, Head of Public Relations and Communications, Ja Europe, Alec de Laminne de Bex, Mentor and Julie Boson, Advocacy Coordinator, Duo for a Job. Some closing remarks were presented by Anne-Sophie Parent, Secretary-General, AGE Platform Europe, highlighting some developments some new challenges, and… the never ending need for solidarity between generations.