Brussels, 11 December 2014
Decision on the European Parliament’s Intergroups
Today, the European Parliament has given its final approval on the establishment of Intergroups. AGE Platform Europe warmly welcomes the re-establishment of the long-standing Intergroup that will deal with ageing and intergenerational solidarity and looks forward to working with MEPs to help Europe address its demographic challenge in a positive way.
“The re-establishment of this long-standing Intergroup is a big success for older citizens’ and their organisations. We have been working hard with our member organisations across the EU to raise awareness among new Members of the European Parliament and Commissioners on the need to address Europe’s demographic challenge in a way that is fair and sustainable for all generations,” said Anne-Sophie Parent, AGE Secretary General, adding “AGE Platform Europe agrees with President Juncker’s acknowledgement that Europe has not done enough yet to address population ageing and we believe such Intergroup will help the European Parliament voice older citizens’ concerns and recommendations in EU policy debates that seek to help Member States address their demographic challenges “
“By joining the Intergroup on Active Ageing, Intergenerational Solidarity and Families Policies, MEPs can play a crucial role in proposing a vision of a society for all ages that supports the active participation of older citizens, enhances economic growth, supports greater social justice and cohesion and strengthens the rights and responsibilities of all generations”, Mrs Parent continued.
AGE Members look forward to collaborating with their MEPs, notably on President Juncker’s investment plan, the EC Agenda for Jobs, Growth, Fairness and Democratic Change and the adoption of the long-awaited equal treatment directive in order to tackle age discrimination and the rise of poverty among older persons. MEPs have a key role to play to help Europe remain the best place to age actively and healthily and this Intergroup will have the mandate to push for innovative and forward-looking policies and initiatives.
AGE will monitor and report on the Intergroup’s activities on its blog “Towards an Age-Friendly European Parliament” and we hope this blog will become a collaborative platform on what the new Parliament will do to address demographic change and to find fair and sustainable solutions for the future of all generations.
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Useful links
- AGE Blog “Toward an Age-Friendly European Parliament” www.towardsanagefriendlyep.com.
- AGE Manifesto for the European elections 2014: www.age-platform.eu/images/smilies/EP%20Manifesto_FINAL.pdf
- AGE webpage on the Intergroup https://age-platform.eu/age-and-the-eu-institutions/european-parliament/intergroup-on-ageing-and-intergenerational-solidarity
