Interview with Manfred Hopfengärtner, Vice-President of the European Seniors’ Union (ESU)

Secretary General: Mr. Hopfengärtner, thank you for joining us. Since 2021, you’ve been serving as Vice-President of the ESU, continuing the work of your predecessor, Elke Garczsyk. As we look ahead to the ESU Congress in 2029, what are your main priorities for your mandate?

Manfred Hopfengärtner: Thank you for having me. It is both an honour and a responsibility to serve the ESU as Vice-President. Over the coming years, I see three primary areas of focus: first, safeguarding dignity and quality of life for seniors across the EU; second, ensuring digital inclusion and lifelong learning; and third, strengthening the political voice of seniors in the democratic process at local, national, and European levels.

We must recognize that seniors are not only recipients of care and support but active contributors to our societies—economically, socially, and politically. Therefore, our policies and advocacy must reflect the real and diverse needs of seniors today and tomorrow.

Secretary General: You bring a remarkable professional and political background to this role. How has your career shaped your vision for seniors in Europe?

Hopfengärtner: I spent 45 years at Siemens, with extensive international experience—from corporate leadership to integration projects in Berlin and enterprise audits in 21 countries. This taught me the value of long-term thinking, adaptability, and the importance of sustainable systems—principles that guide my political work as well.

Since joining the CSU in 1988, and later the Seniors’ Union in 2010, I’ve been deeply involved in regional and national leadership roles. These experiences sharpened my understanding of how ageing populations are perceived and supported—or not supported—across different European societies. Seniors deserve respect, participation, and tailored policies. That is what I am committed to bringing to the ESU.

Secretary General: The future of seniors in the EU is a subject of growing debate. How do you see it?

Hopfengärtner: The demographic shift in Europe is irreversible. By 2050, a third of EU citizens will be over 60. But this shouldn’t be seen as a burden—it’s an opportunity. Seniors are a resource of experience, time, and often, wisdom. The future I envision is one where seniors are integrated—not isolated. This includes digital participation, healthy ageing initiatives, and intergenerational cooperation.

At the ESU, we must also be the voice that insists on pension security, access to healthcare, and the right to live in dignity and safety. We must engage with EU institutions to ensure these themes are priorities in all relevant directives and funding programs.

Secretary General: You mentioned digital inclusion and lifelong learning. Why are these so central to your vision?

Hopfengärtner: We are living in an increasingly digital society. Unfortunately, too many seniors are left behind. Digital exclusion is social exclusion. That’s why I will push for EU-level initiatives that fund and promote senior-friendly training, accessible platforms, and intergenerational learning projects.

Similarly, lifelong learning is about more than technology—it’s about mental health, active participation, and empowerment. A European strategy for lifelong learning that includes seniors must be one of our key demands.

Secretary General: Looking ahead to 2029, what would you consider a success for your term?

Hopfengärtner: If we manage to influence EU policies that measurably improve the lives of seniors—whether through better access to healthcare, increased digital skills, or stronger representation in political life—I will consider our work a success.

But just as important is unity. I want the ESU to be a strong, inclusive, and forward-looking network that brings together seniors from every corner of Europe, regardless of background. Seniors need to be part of shaping Europe’s future—not just observing it from the sidelines.

Secretary General: Thank you, Mr. Hopfengärtner. We look forward to working with you toward these important goals.

Hopfengärtner: Thank you. Together, we will ensure that seniors in Europe are heard, respected, and valued—today and in the years to come.