The PES family gathered today to celebrate the European Day of Intergenerational Solidarity.
European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sports, Glenn Micallef, joined representatives of the Young European Socialists (YES), the European Seniors Organisation (ESO), the Party of European Socialists (PES), the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions and the S&D Group in the European Parliament, for a field visit to Calico, a local co-housing project and part of Community Land Trust Brussels in Forest. The event sought to serve as a platform for cross-generational dialogue. The exchange centred around topics such as co-housing, gender discrimination, and mental health – all are issues of concern to both younger and older people across Europe.
Intergenerational solidarity is an integral component of the PES. The event underscored best practices and showcased the important work by Commissioner Glenn Micallef.
His work is complemented by the European Affordable Housing Plan which is being spearheaded by PES Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen. Housing unaffordability affects the younger and older generation disproportionately. As progressives, we remain strongly committed to bridging this divide.
MEPs and local politicians from the PES family, including Andreas Schieder, MEP and S&D Coordinator in the EP HOUS Committee; Idoia Mendia, S&D MEP; Charles Spapens, Mayor of Forest; and Pascal Smet, Member of the European Committee of the Regions and PES Group Coordinator in the COTER Commission, were among those in attendance at the event.
European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sports, Glenn Micallef, said:
“I am committed to ensuring that the interests of both young people and future generations are systematically reflected in how the European Union shapes its policies.”
PES Deputy Secretary General Yonnec Polet said:
‘‘Solidarity and housing are at the core of the work of our political family, and we have successfully advocated for relevant measures at both European and local level. Calico and Community Land Trust Brussels are an excellent example of this, combining support across age groups and dismantling housing speculation at the same time.”
ESO Secretary General Frieda Ardies said:
“Intergenerational solidarity is woven into the fabric of the PES family. Young or old, it is fundamental that we stay grounded as we experience tremors of instability on the global terrain.’’
YES Secretary General Sofie Amalie Stage said:
“The lack of affordable housing remains a huge challenge across generations. Learning about an example of overcoming this has been both motivating and useful. It shows that change is possible. Let’s have more examples follow.”
Right side: From right to left: Pascal Smet, Member of the European Committee of the Regions; Jordi Harrison, Secretary General of the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions; Katrien Van Cappellen, Administrator at AngelaD.
Mayor of Forest Charles Spapens (PS Belgium) said:
“At local level, we experience people’s housing issues first hand. Across European towns and cities, too many young and older people struggle to find housing that is both affordable and of good quality. In Forest, we are therefore proud that Calico, an intergenerational housing project involving different partner associations and accommodating residents from socially diverse backgrounds, is contributing to reversing this trend.”
