A successful path toward achieving intergenerational equity in the EU lies in fostering a culture of mutual responsibility and solidarity between generations. This means acknowledging our own needs while actively seeking to understand and support the needs of others.
Too often, younger people focus on education, digital innovation, and climate action, while older generations are more concerned with healthcare, pensions, and safe aging. A major challenge is that young people cannot fully understand the concerns of aging, just as older generations may struggle to grasp the rapid cultural and technological changes shaping younger lives.
A key solution is intergenerational dialogue—creating both formal and informal platforms for people of all ages to exchange ideas and voice concerns. These could include public forums, EU-wide consultations, local community projects, and digital spaces. For these dialogues to succeed, a neutral, impartial mediator is essential to help facilitate compromise and prevent conflict. The goal is not for everyone to get everything they want, but for everyone to feel heard, valued, and respected.
At the policy level, the EU and its member states should implement intergenerational impact assessments for all major laws and initiatives—just as environmental assessments are now standard. This will help ensure that political decisions reflect the needs and interests of all generations, both present and future.