The EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions organised a workshop with almost 150 participants during the European Week of Regions and Cities - aiming to change the perception of demographic change by showcasing European regions and cities that are turning the challenges of ageing populations, low birth-rates and new arrivals into opportunities.
Michael Schneider, President of the EPP-CoR Group, opened the event highlighting the importance of the topic: "Demographic change is rightly considered to be a major trend in the 21st century, as it affects the political, economic and social situation in Europe. I like to see it as a process towards a new balance – we have much to gain with the silver economy and from a society which promotes active and healthy ageing. We need a much more innovative, coordinated and integrated response from the EU and call for a European Strategy on Demographic change"
Keynote speaker An Hermans, President of the European Seniors' Union, presented the contribution of the 'Life Stories' project to an active European citizenship: "An inclusive European society starts at the local level where seniors share their experiences and hopes with younger generations to build together a society for all ages. Let's listen to the life histories of men and women who witnessed and participated in the making of Europe." Helen Campbell, AGE Platform Europe Vice President went further to say that "The challenge in any policy response is to ensure that the people on whose lives it will impact are at the heart of the discussions". The Age Friendly Ireland initiative was pointed to as a successful example of engaging older people in developing a society for all ages.
The contribution of targeted urban and regional policies to adapt cities and regions to the specific needs of an ageing population was highlighted by Andrzej Buła, Marshall of the Opolskie Voivodeship in Poland, presented their pioneering Life-cycle programme: "We wanted to change the current mindset, bring together citizens of all ages to construct an inclusive society that brings an added value to all – from babies to grandparents!". António Bragança Fernandes, Mayor of Maia in Portugal, continued "The memories of a people are its seniors! The future of a region is based on its ability to protect and maintain their memories. Therefore we believe that investment in programmes to support active ageing ensures an indirect return in multiple sectors." he said.
In addition to best practices the workshop highlighted the role of local and regional authorities in creating age-friendly societies. Arnoldas Abramavicius, First Vice President of the EPP-CoR and a Member of the Zarasai District Municipal Council in Lithuania, emphasised that "the best approach to demographic ageing is the promotion of age-friendly communities where public spaces, transport, housing and local services are created for the needs of all generations and where solidarity and cooperation between generations is fostered. Local and regional authorities that have been taking the lead in developing new innovative or ICT-based tools that support active and healthy ageing need the right supportive legal, financial and structural environment from both the national and EU levels to move those successful local initiatives to a larger scale" he concluded.
Speaking on behalf of the European Commission, Andor Urmos, explained the role of the European Regional Development Fund in addressing these challenges, including some project examples.