Category: Other civil society groups

Not only older people, but also women, families, persons with disabilities and many others have demands towards the next European Parliament and the next European Commission. Learn in how far their demands are important for older persons as well!

Child looking at a man - Photo by Maria Isabella Bernotti from Pexels

‘MEPs, give a voice to solidarity between generations’ – joint call by AGE and COFACE

Published on by ageplatform1 Comment

This week, the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) can sign up to cross-party ‘intergroups’. AGE Platform Europe and the European network of family organisations COFACE-Families Europe have sent a common letter to MEPs to call for an intergroup on demographic change and solidarity between generations. Given demographic change affects everyone, the Parliament should encourage a large debate on sustainable solutions that fit the needs and expectations of all current and future generations.

An intergroup is an informal group of members of the European Parliament of different political groups and committees, which can encourage a large debate about cross-cutting issues. AGE and COFACE feel that demographic change, because of its impact on citizens, is a topic that needs to be addressed. Also, by nominating a Commission Vice-President-designate for Demographic Change, Ms Dubravka Suica, the President-elect of the European Commission has started this cross-cutting debate, and Parliament should be ready for this.

By putting forward a common call, AGE and COFACE underline that both family forms and ageing experiences are increasingly diverse. This is why debate on public policies on how to adequately address the needs of all generations in a spirit of solidarity are needed.

Citizen-centred and family-friendly policies needed

AGE and COFACE call for policies to promote citizen-centred and family-friendly labour markets, social protection systems, transport and housing, education and culture, consumer goods and financial services, urban planning and inclusive neighbourhoods. They underline that we need support for active citizenship and well-being across the whole life span, help to reconcile our work and family life, facilitate personal and professional fulfilment of young and old, enhance economic growth in our rural and urban areas and, eventually, strengthen social justice and cohesion.

What should MEPs do?

The intergroup on demographic change and solidarity between generations would be a continuation of previous intergroups on older persons, active ageing and solidarity between generations that have existed since 1982 in various forms.

Members of the European Parliament can support the establishment of an intergroup on demographic change and solidarity between generations by signing this form and sending it until 18 October 2019 to the office of Mr Brando Benfiei (15G210), and advocate within their political group for support for this intergroup.

More information:

For further information, please contact Philippe Seidel at the AGE Secretariat [email protected]. Wednesday 16 October 2019

Europe, let's do more for health

AGE supports the EU4Health Campaign

Published on by EstelleLeave a comment

70% of Europeans want the EU to do more for health, according to a recent Eurobarometer survey. This is why a pool of European organisations, under the leadership of the EPHA (European Public Health Alliance) and EPF (European Patients Forum) came together to ensure that the European institutions will continue to guarantee health protection and promotion.

Started as a reaction to the Future of Europe white paper presented in 2017 by European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker, which included, in the 5 outlined scenarios, the option to “do less” on some policy areas, the EU4health campaign aims to ensure that EU action on health remains strong after 2020. EU4Health brings together organisations that share the vision of a Europe where all people are as healthy as they can be throughout their lives.

The 7 key asks to the European Commission are outlined in a joint:

  1. Dedicated Health Commissioner and Vice-President for Sustainable Well-Being
  2. Adopt EU-level actions to prevent diseases and promote healthy lifestyles
  3. Develop a framework for tackling non-communicable diseases
  4. Support national health systems with expertise and evidence
  5. Empower citizen and patients
  6. Assess the impact of health in EU policies
  7. Establish strong leadership with a European Global Health.

For more information: https://eu4health.eu/

Screenshot of the website of Inclusion Europe, containing the logo, a smiling man with disabilities and the slogan: 'Ambitions. Rights. Belonging.'

Inclusion Europe: What about the right to vote?

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More than seventy years have passed since the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and still, some people cannot enjoy their right to vote.

How is the disability movement addressing the European elections? Many common points exist between persons with disabilities and older persons: older persons are more likely to have a disability and issues of legal capacity, accessibility and access to information are important to many older people. Inclusion Europe is an organisation who fights for the rights and the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. We present their manifesto for the 2019 elections.

Continue reading “Inclusion Europe: What about the right to vote?” →