AGE and the EY2012 Coalition react to the EP draft report on the EU Year for Active Ageing

On 1 February, the Members of the European Parliament Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) considered Mr Kastler’s draft report on the European Year 2012 for Active Ageing. Presenting his amendments to the Commission's proposal, the rapporteur pointed out the need to create conditions for active ageing in a society built on intergenerational solidarity. According to Mr. Kastler, the European Year should contribute to developing an active ageing culture in Europe. Therefore, the involvement of all generations is important in order to reach this objective. The importance of voluntary activities, the role of older people in the family life and the proper involvement of people with disabilities in society should also be emphasized during this European Year.

AGE Platform Europe, together with a Coalition of 12 European NGOs promoting solidarity between generations, responded to the report and proposed a list of joint amendments.

The members of the coalition welcomed Mr Kastler’s report. Empowering older people to age in good health and to contribute more actively to the labour market and to their communities is necessary to help take up the current demographic challenge in a way that is fair and sustainable for all generations. This will require commitments at all political levels European, national, regional and local).
The coalition believes that policy makers should take a long-term vision of older people's contribution to society to the benefit of our ageing populations, and hopes that this upcoming European Year will help to develop an ambitious agenda that will promote active ageing based on increased solidarity and cooperation between the generations.
The report will be presented for adoption in EMPL Committee on 16 March and in plenary on 10 May. A political agreement by the Council is foreseen on 6 June.
For more information on the EY2012 campaign, please contact Alice Sinigagliaalice.sinigaglia@age-platform.eu

Monday 07 March 2011
European Parliament
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