The European Union is taking significant steps to address intergenerational fairness, as highlighted by European Commissioner for Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef. During an interview with Euronews, Micallef announced that the EU is “exploring ways” to establish an index aimed at measuring how different countries perform regarding this critical issue. This index, referred to as a “compass for intergenerational fairness,” is intended to build on existing initiatives and incorporate broader sustainability and well-being indicators. The goal is to create tools that would facilitate tracking progress while systematically embedding an intergenerational perspective into the policymaking process.
Micallef emphasized that the EU plans to propose a comprehensive strategy focused on intergenerational fairness by 2026. Intergenerational solidarity is already a concept embedded in EU treaties, albeit without the explicit term “fairness.” Micallef is notably the first official to have a portfolio dedicated specifically to the subject, indicating the EU’s growing recognition of its importance. He voiced the ambition to integrate intergenerational fairness as a vital principle across various EU policies, consistently evaluating whether current actions are equitable toward future generations. However, despite the significance of this initiative, there will be no dedicated budget for it, with the emphasis instead on leveraging existing EU funds and programs.
This approach to intergenerational fairness spans crucial areas such as access to housing, climate justice, and education, among other sectors vital for developing sustainable futures. Micallef also correlated this work with the European Commission’s strategic foresight agenda, which aims to ensure today’s policy decisions do not negatively impact future generations. This intersection of fairness, sustainability, and evidence-based decision-making reflects a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness of these issues in constructing a favorable future.
Existing research on intergenerational solidarity, particularly by Jamie McQuilkin, has already laid a foundation for this initiative. In 2015, McQuilkin developed an intergenerational solidarity index used to assess how countries support the well-being of future generations across 122 nations. Using ten diverse indicators to account for economic, social, and environmental dimensions, the research revealed strong correlations between democracy and intergenerational solidarity. The updated version published in 2020, in collaboration with social philosopher Roman Krznaric, reinforced the idea that democratic nations typically score higher in terms of supporting intergenerational fairness than autocratic regimes.
Despite these insights, there is rising concern about young people’s disenchantment with democratic systems, as evidenced by studies such as a 2020 report from Cambridge University’s Centre for the Future of Democracy. The report indicated that 55% of millennials express dissatisfaction with democracy, a sentiment less prominent among older generations at the same age. Acknowledging this pressing issue, Micallef articulated the need for urgent interventions, including investments in youth participation and initiatives aimed at amplifying younger voices in discussions regarding intergenerational fairness.
In a move to foster greater intergenerational dialogue, the European Commission plans to launch a citizens’ panel in the upcoming autumn. This platform aims to enable young people and older generations to directly contribute to shaping the EU’s future strategy on intergenerational fairness. By actively engaging both demographics, the EU hopes to cultivate a more inclusive policy-making environment, ensuring that the perspectives of all generations are considered as they forge a sustainable and just future. This initiative symbolizes a growing recognition within the EU of the importance of an intergenerational approach, showcasing a commitment to equitable treatment for not only current citizens but also those yet to come.
