Parliamentary question

Written question to the European Commission

In spring 2021, the Commission launched a consultation on ageing following the publication of its green paper. The increase in longevity opens up new opportunities for older persons if their fundamental rights are respected and society becomes more inclusive. However, the green paper did not address the issues of non-discrimination and equal rights for all ages. Both the Council and Parliament recently called for responses to be grounded in human rights principles and solidarity between generations.

1. Is the Commission working on a white paper to take the reflection further on the issues covered by the green paper?

2. Will the Commission consider developing an EU age equality strategy to ensure comprehensive policies on ageing and promoting the rights of all generations?

3. What further action does it envisage taking so that the Union of Equality delivers for people of all ages?

Answer given by Vice-President Šuica on behalf of the European Commission

Follow-up to the Green Paper on Ageing and its consultation takes place in a number of work strands. For the moment, the Commission is not considering presenting a white paper on ageing or a specific age equality strategy.

The Commission is instead working to integrate and mainstream aspects related to demography and equality, including as regards age discrimination, in all relevant EU policies, legislation and funding programmes.

Council Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation effectively bans discrimination based on age within its scope.

In complement to such measures, the European Pillar of Social Rights includes the principles on equal opportunities, work-life balance, old-age income and pensions, healthcare and long-term care as well as access to essential services. Its Action Plan puts forward a number of further actions to support a Union of Equality.

In the framework of the action plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights and building on the Green Paper on Ageing, the Commission will present a European Care Strategy in 2022 to address both carers and care receivers, from childcare to long-term care.

Also, the European Accessibility Act strives to ensure that digitalisation is an inclusive process improving access to services.