A policy conference focused on the importance of the link between services of general interest and solidarity between the generations took place on 11 June at EESC in Brussels. It was co-organised by the European Economic and Social Committee and the Basque Government. The event was opened by Seamus Boland, President of EESC, Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport and Txema Ezkerra Fernandez, Director for Diversity, Coexistence and Intergenerational Solidarity at the Ministry of Welfare, Youth and Demographic Challenge of the Basque Government.

Maria Petkova had presentation in the first session on Services of General Interest as drivers of intergenerational solidarity. The next sessions were dedicated to Public service programs and experiences implementing intergenerational solidarity and Intergenerational solidarity in the European social funding and the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Speakers from EESC, Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Integration of Baden-Württemberg, Basque Government, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, EPSU, SGI Europe and "ESF+ Coordination" and Erasmus+ Coordination Unit of the European Commission presented their point of vision.

The aim of the policy event was to highlight the political and social relevance of public services in implementing the European intergenerational solidarity approach. Services of General Interest are a crucial element of European economic, social and legal systems. Being fundamental to the well-being of society, they are a key pillar of the European social model. Through their redistribution, preventive and enabling functions the public services have a fundamental role in fostering social cohesion and increase trust in public institutions, in line with the objectives of the Treaties of the EU and the European Pillar of Social Rights. Sopublic services are uniquely positioned to put the principle of intergenerational solidarity into practice, as they directly influence access to resources, opportunities and social participation for people of all ages. They can play a central role in promoting fairness between generations, reinforcing social progress and fostering community cohesion. Current shifts in our societies such as aging populations, declining birth rates, evolving labour markets and long-term fiscal sustainability present significant challenges for maintaining intergenerational balance and mutual support. These trends, combined with multiple global crises, can have political consequences and may divide European societies and create barriers to the real inclusion of views of different generations and their participation. The conference was a platform to showcase the societal and political importance of public services in promoting intergenerational solidarity. It provided numerous examples and concrete recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. 

Policy Conference co-organised by the European Economic and Social Committee and the Basque Government