Stefaan Vercamer Reflects on his Presidency

Interview by Patrick Penninckx, Secretary General of the ESU

About one year ago, in 2024, at the ESU Congress in Leuven, Belgium, Stefaan Vercamer was elected President of the European Seniors’ Union (ESU). In this interview, Secretary General Patrick Penninckx sits down with Stefaan to reflect on the first year of his presidency — a year defined by continuity, ambition, and strategic planning for the future.

Building on Strong Foundations

Upon taking office, Stefaan Vercamer expressed deep appreciation for the groundwork laid by his predecessors, President An Hermans and Secretary General Guido Dumon. He was struck by the policy richness and strategic depth that had developed within the ESU on critical topics such as demographic change, active ageing, and solidarity between generations.

“What impressed me most,” Stefaan says, “was the breadth of the network — from the Wilfried Martens Centre and Konrad Adenauer Foundation to the Robert Schuman Institute and Robert Schuman Foundation — as well as our collaboration with AGE Platform Europe. And above all, the commitment of our member organisations across Europe who are the real drivers of the ESU’s mission.”

A Demanding Role with Strong Team Support

Despite his political experience, Stefaan admits he was initially surprised by the extent of the workload that comes with the ESU Presidency. However, he feels fortunate to be surrounded by a dedicated, voluntary team, guided by Secretary General Penninckx and supported by numerous committed volunteers and the 12 Vice-Presidents. This collaborative spirit has ensured the smooth operation and strategic continuity of the Union.

Objectives for 2030: Voice, Growth, and Visibility

Looking ahead, Stefaan Vercamer has set two clear priorities for the ESU as it approaches 2030:

1. Strengthen Policy Capacity and Political Influence
   He aims to ensure that senior citizens’ voices are better heard in the European political space, particularly through deeper involvement in the European People’s Party (EPP). He highlights the ESU’s recent participation in the EPP Congress in Valencia as an important milestone.

1. Expand Membership Beyond EU Borders
   Expand membership beyond EU borders, while also seeking partners in EU countries that do not yet have member organizations. Recognising the demographic challenges that are not confined to EU member states alone, Stefaan wants to broaden ESU membership, reaching out to countries outside the EU to promote shared values and common challenges related to ageing.

A Lifelong Advocate for Seniors

Stefaan’s focus on ageing is not new. As a former Belgian MP and delegate to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, he has consistently championed policies on demography, independent living, affordable housing, adequate pensions, and accessible healthcare, including long-term care. He has combined this work with his professional role at the Public Centre for Social Welfare (OCMW) in Oudenaarde, where he continues to witness firsthand the realities and needs of older citizens. He also continues to work two days a week as a project coordinator at a large healthcare organization focused on the ethical and sustainable migration of healthcare professionals.

Looking Ahead: Celebrating and Advancing

As he begins his second year, Stefaan sees a promising horizon for the ESU. He is particularly enthusiastic about two major events in 2025: the Seniors Summer Academy in Bruges this September and the 30th Anniversary Conference of the ESU in Ciudad Real this November.

He remains committed to the Bratislava Presidency Principles — a commitment to openness, dialogue, and solidarity — and is optimistic about the visibility and policy impact the ESU can continue to achieve in the years to come.

“I am deeply grateful for the support of our Secretary General, our Vice-Presidents, and all who work with us voluntarily,” Stefaan concludes. “Together, we can shape a Europe that listens to and values its seniors — not just as voters, but as vibrant contributors to our society.”