Summer Academy 2017: Europe’s Future

On 30 June – 3 July, the European Seniors’ Union (ESU) organised, with the help of the Wilfried Martens Centre and the Politische Akademie der ÖVP, its Summer Acadamy around ‘Europe’s future’.

Ingred Korosec, president of the Österreichischer Seniorenbund (ÖSB) and Member of Vienna Regional Parliament opened the Summer Academy at the Politische Akademie in Vienna. A welcome note was brought by Former Federal Minister of Defense, Head of the Academic Council of the Wilfrid Martens Centre for European Studies and Honorary President of the Political Academy of the Austrian People’s Party, Werner Fasslabend.

ESU President, An Hermans, mentioned in her opening speech, that in the last years, the European Union, the member states and the whole society were confronted with unforeseen problems and challenges. But, as some European leaders said, ‘Every crisis can turn into an opportunity’.” She also pointed out that “we believe in the future of Europe” and stressed to continue working for it.

Furter, there were vivant discussions. The audience could ask questions to:

  • Heinz Becker: MEP – Vice president of the ESU – Secretary General of ÖSB about ‘European Affairs and Seniors’;
  • Vit Novotny: Senior Researcher at Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies about ‘Demographic Changes and Migration in Europe’;
  • Mr. Sekardi co-worker of Finance and HR at the Federation of Austrian Industries about ‘The importance of the EU for the Industry’

On Saturday 1 July, there were more interesting presentations and speeches on the program. ESU Secretary General Guido Dumon presented for instance the country reports and Prof. Steven Van Hecke held a presentation about The social dimension of the European Union.

Apart from all that, a video message from MEP Elmar Brok was shown.

Events in 2017

Regional Conference: Technology & Active Ageing

Nicosia - Cyprus

On 14 October the Senior Citizens Organization of Cyprus and the ESU organised a South Regional Conference in Nicosia around 'Technology & Active Ageing'.

International Day of Older Persons 2017

International

On the occasion of the International day of Older Persons on 1 October 2017, the ESU released a message of ESU President Hermans.

Regional Conference: Security and Trust - the Future of the EU

Munich - Germany

On 28-30 September 2017, the ESU and the CSU-Seniorenunion organised a regional conference in Munich about 'Security and Trust - the Future of the EU'.

Seminar: Promoting political responsibility of youth and seniors

Budapest - Hungary

The ESU and RSI organized a seminar on the relations between generations and promoting political responsibility of youth and seniors.

ESU-APAN Conference: Future of Europe

St. Julian's - Malta

At the occasion of the EPP Congress in Malta, the ESU organized in cooperation with APAN, a conference on the "Future of Europe".

Regional Conference: Quality of life

Prague - Czech Republic

On 11-12 March 2017, the ESU and its Czech member organisation (SKS CR) organised a regional conference in Prague about the 'Quality of Life' of seniors.

ESU Annual Report 2016

Brussels - Belgium

The ESU Annual Report 2016 was presented in the Executive Committee Meeting (General Assembly) of 8 February 2017

EXCO & Konrad Adenauer Forum

Brussels - Belgium

On 7-8 February the ESU held its Presidium meeting and General Assembly in Brussels. A dinner debate was also organised by the KAS and ESU.