The current economic crisis is sharpening the sense of urgency to review fundamentally the way our society functions. Some groups have been particularly hit by the crisis, including the young, the low skilled, children in unemployed households, employees on temporary contracts, EU mobile workers, migrants, ethnic minorities and the elderly, and the long term social impact of the crisis is not yet fully known. Women have also been disproportionately hit, particularly women among the groups outlined.  Public authorities are faced with unprecedented financial challenges and major reforms are being introduced at all levels to curb public spending.

 

A large coalition of 13 European NGOs active in various sectors and representing different citizens groups wish to raise awareness of the need to ensure that whatever reforms are introduced, they will take on board gender equality and the particular needs of the more vulnerable and will consider social policies as a long term investment rather than a cost to the public purse.

 

In our view, enhanced solidarity between generations can play a key role in developing fairer and more sustainable responses to the major economic and social challenges that the EU is facing today. Our society needs to become more inclusive to allow everyone to get involved whatever their age, gender, ethnic origin, skills and ability. Action is also urgently needed to ensure a fairer re-distribution of resources, responsibility and participation and to develop greater cooperation between generations in all social and economic spheres.

 

It is important in today’s context to maintain a high level of solidarity in our social protection systems given its proven shock absorber effect during economic crisis. Public authorities should develop holistic and sustainable policies supporting all generations, facilitate access to adequate income and to affordable and quality services, particularly housing, education and health for people of all ages, and foster exchange of good practice and mutual learning between different generations. Engaging migrant and minority communities in intergenerational solidarity initiatives together with majority communities is crucial to break down harmful stereotypes, to bring communities closer together, dispel myths and create public space for dialogue. Awareness raising on creative initiatives of social solidarity developed by migrant and minority communities, including women’s organisations, is particularly important

 

On behalf of the millions of citizens that our networks represent, we call on the European institutions and Member States to support the launch of a European Year on Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity in 2012 and to agree a ten year European Action Plan to help the EU develop a fair and sustainable social model that includes all generations and is sustainable in the long term.