Intergenerational Dialogue and Solidarity

Conference Announcement | Enrollment Open Until 23 March!

The European Seniors’ Union is proud to invite you to a landmark event marking the EU Day of Solidarity between Generations:

Intergenerational Dialogue and Solidarity

European Youth Centre Budapest
28–30 April 2026
Enrollment open until 23 March 2026 via Member Organisations

As Europe faces profound demographic change, strengthening solidarity between generations has never been more important. Guided by the ESU Strategic Action Plan 2030, this conference places intergenerational fairness, active ageing, and cooperation at the heart of Europe’s future.

Organised in close cooperation with EPP – European People’s Party the Robert Schuman Institute (Budapest)and the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, seniors European Seniors’ Union – ESUESU, YEPP youth, EPP Women leaders, policymakers, academics, SME Europe of the EPP and civil society from across Europe AGE Platform Europe.

Why This Conference Matters

Europe must respond to:

An ageing population

Evolving labour markets and competitiveness

Pension sustainability and care systems

Migration and competitiveness

Digital transformation and inclusion

This conference views demographic change not as a challenge — but as an opportunity to combine experience with innovation, and tradition with renewal.

Who Will Join?

Participants include:

ESU member organisations

Youth of the European People’s Party (YEPP)

EPP Women

SME Europe

Members of the European Parliament and EU institutions

Experts from the Council of Europe and leading think tanks

Keynote speakers (tbc) include:

Manfred Weber

Claudia Mahler

Peter Hefele

What We Will Achieve

Adoption of the “Budapest Declaration on Intergenerational Solidarity – 2026”
Concrete policy proposals on pensions, social protection, lifelong learning, digital inclusion and care
Stronger cooperation across the EPP family
Integration of recommendations into upcoming EU policy debates
A long-term framework for intergenerational dialogue

The conference will also address an important dimension: strengthening cooperation between seniors from Western, Central, and Eastern Europe — acknowledging diverse histories while reinforcing a shared European narrative.

This event is more than a conference — it is a commitment to building a Europe where every generation is valued, respected and empowered to contribute.

Places are limited. Enrollment is open until 23 March 2026 for Members of the partner organisations.

Join us in Budapest to shape a more united, resilient and intergenerational Europe.