Tribute to An Hermans: A Legacy of Dedication and Friendship
Leuven
For over a decade, An Hermans has served as the President of the European Seniors' Union, alongside the Secretary General Guido Dumon.
On 27 November 2024, the European Parliament approved the new College of European Commissioners, led by President Ursula von der Leyen. This marks the conclusion of a long and complex process, initiated after the European elections and followed by the designation of Commissioners, discussions on the policy strategy, and hearings of the Commissioners-designate. With the Commission officially starting its work on 1 December 2024, it has now begun addressing its ambitious agenda to tackle the challenges facing Europe.
The previous mandate, spanning 2019-2024, faced unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the invasion of Ukraine, and the ongoing climate crisis. The incoming Commission is tasked with addressing significant issues, including transforming European industry to ensure sustainable prosperity, competitiveness, and a just transition for all citizens.
The European Seniors’ Union closely followed this preparatory phase and emphasised the importance of addressing the needs of ageing populations. We shared our concerns with President von der Leyen regarding the absence of a Commissioner for Ageing and a clear anchor point for ageing-related policies in an open letter. In response, we were reassured by the Commission’s commitment to integrating senior-related issues into its broader agenda. The new European Commission has structured responsibilities that address the interests of older generations and demographic challenges through specific commissioners.
This multi-faceted approach highlights the Commission’s intention to integrate the needs of older populations across different portfolios while addressing the broader implications of demographic trends.
Assigned to develop a Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness, ensuring balanced attention to the needs of current and future generations
The ESU is committed to actively following the new Commission’s work to ensure that the rights, opportunities, and challenges of older generations are addressed