ESU with greater impact – Strategic Action Plan 2030

A Shared Roadmap to 2030: Introducing the ESU Workbook for our Strategic Action Plan

It is with great pride and boundless optimism that the European Seniors’ Union (ESU) presents its new Workbook for the Strategic Action Plan 2030. This publication is designed as a practical and inspiring companion to our newly adopted Strategy, proclaimed in the inspiring setting of Ciudad Real, Spain.

From Celebration to a New Beginning

In Ciudad Real, as we celebrated 30 years of the European Seniors’ Union, we did more than mark an important anniversary. We embraced a new beginning. Delegates from across Europe came together not only to reflect on our shared achievements and legacy, but also to shape a bold, common vision for the future:
a Europe in which older persons are recognised as active, contributing and respected citizens, fully participating in society.

This Workbook captures the spirit of that moment and translates it into guidance for action over the coming years.

Three Pillars for Strategic Action

The Workbook is built on three core pillars that reflect the heart of the ESU Strategic Action Plan 2030:

1. Understanding societal change
It offers an in-depth analysis of the major societal developments affecting older people across Europe. These include demographic change, evolving work and family patterns, digital transformation, mobility, intergenerational relations, and the enduring need for dignity, inclusion and participation in all areas of life.

2. Strengthening the ESU as an organisation
The Workbook provides a clear-eyed assessment of our strengths and weaknesses as a European seniors’ organisation. It helps us understand where the ESU is strong, where we must evolve, and how we can better represent, engage and empower our members — while amplifying our collective voice at European level.

3. Turning strategy into annual action
Finally, the Workbook lays a firm foundation for developing annual work plans through to 2030. Our Strategy is not static. It serves as an umbrella under which national member organisations and the ESU Executive Committee can develop their own Strategic Action Plans year by year — building momentum, measuring progress, and adapting to new challenges while remaining guided by our shared vision.

The Spirit of Ciudad Real

Ciudad Real is more than the city that hosted our anniversary celebrations. It has become a symbol and a guide for our future work. Its blend of heritage, renewal and strong community spirit shows how age-diverse societies can flourish when experience meets innovation, when generations share, and when seniors engage with energy and purpose.

A Tool for Leaders and Organisations

This Workbook is addressed to you — the leaders of the European Seniors’ Union. It is your tool, companion and source of inspiration. Use it to align your national organisations with our collective strategic horizon; to design actions that speak to your members; to mobilise resources; to measure impact; and to learn, adapt and grow stronger together.

From Vision to Measurable Change

Let us move forward together — with enthusiasm, clarity and commitment. Let this Strategy not remain on a shelf, but become our shared roadmap:
from vision to implementation,
from planning to action,
from promise to measurable change.

As we look ahead to 2030, we do so with confidence — confident in what we have learned, confident in what we will achieve, and confident in the strength of our Union.

Let us do it together. Let us do it now.

Download the PDF document below for a full overview of ESU’s Strategic Action Plan 2030.