EESC calls for intergenerational fairness to be embedded across EU policies
- Rural Pact
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- Resilient rural areas
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A new European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) opinion calls for intergenerational fairness to become a cross-cutting principle of EU policymaking, with particular attention to territorial inequalities and people living in rural, remote and deprived areas.
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Adopted on 23 September 2026, the opinion responds to the European Commission’s first Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness, adopted in March. The strategy aims to strengthen fairness between generations through three pillars – fair policymaking, fair opportunities and fair places – and includes actions ranging from an intergenerational fairness index to greater involvement of young people in policymaking.
The EESC recommends making intergenerational fairness a measurable outcome across EU policies, supported by long-term objectives, specific targets and indicators, and clear accountability mechanisms. It stresses the need to reduce social, economic, gender, age and territorial inequalities, paying particular attention to people in vulnerable situations, including those living in rural and remote areas.
A territorial dimension to intergenerational fairness
The opinion highlights access to essential services and housing as important dimensions of intergenerational fairness. It calls for measures supporting the quality, affordability and territorial availability of services, including housing, mental health services, education and care. On rural areas specifically, the EESC recommends targeted investment in services, digital connectivity and infrastructure, linking these investments to attracting young and older people to rural areas and ensuring that intergenerational solidarity has a territorial dimension.
The EESC also calls for intergenerational and territorial fairness to be reflected in the green and digital transitions, including through assessments of how investments, reforms, costs and opportunities affect different generations and vulnerable regions.
Looking towards the next EU budget, the Committee recommends embedding intergenerational fairness in the 2028-2034 programming period and assessing how EU resources affect different generations. It also proposes that the future National and Regional Partnership Plans include a dedicated chapter on intergenerational solidarity.
Finally, the opinion stresses meaningful participation in decision-making, recommending that both young and older people be recognised as organised stakeholders in civil dialogue structures and that new EU legislation assess impacts on future generations.
Explore the latest Rural Pact resources on youth and join a dedicated Community Group to connect and exchange with peers.