Statement for the President on Intergenerational Fairness Strategy

Contribution on youth

I welcome the Intergenerational Fairness Strategy adopted yesterday and its recognition of intergenerational fairness as a strategic choice for the EU.

Its commitment to fair, long-term policymaking informed by young people’s perspectives helps prevent future risks or burdens.

In her speech, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu evoked the compelling image of "the empty chair" at the table, reminding us that the decisions we take today will shape the lives of those not yet born or still too young to make their voices heard.

 We must place their future at the centre of our decisions and take care that today’s choices pave the way for the generations to come. 

It is encouraging to see the Commission’s commitment to continuing the systematic application of the Youth Check, including Youth Policy Dialogues, in its key initiatives in order to assess the potential impact of new policies on young people.

At the EESC we are continuing to engage and include young people in EU policymaking through strategies like our Youth Test, events such as Your Europe Your Say! and the work of our Youth Group.