EY2012
ENNA Europe » EY2012
Introduction of the European Year
Information about the "European Years"
Every year the European Union suggests dedicating the year to a particular subject, often related to the main initiatives or issues developed in the European context. From 1983, there have been a number of "European Years" dedicated to many different topics, from the field of music to that of environment, from that of language to the local and regional democracy; in particular last years are related to educational and social fields. 2011 was the year of Volunteering, while 2012 has been entitled as the “European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations”.
In general, they have been designated and run directly by the European Commission; however, some (such as 2005) have been designated and run by the Council of Europe. The European Commission coordinates the activities developed within the Year, as well as initiatives, events and debates around the subject chosen supporting the key stakeholders who work day-in and day-out on the selected topics.
In general, they have been designated and run directly by the European Commission; however, some (such as 2005) have been designated and run by the Council of Europe. The European Commission coordinates the activities developed within the Year, as well as initiatives, events and debates around the subject chosen supporting the key stakeholders who work day-in and day-out on the selected topics.
Introduction of the 2012 European Year of Intergenerational Solidarity
Information about the 2012 European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations
2012 has been designated as the European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between generations. A statistical portrait of the European Union 2012 shows that the European Union’s population structure is changing and becoming progressively older – this is a demographic challenge which has been facing Europe for many years.
At the beginning of 2010, there were 87 million people aged 65 and over in the EU, more than 17 % of the total population. In response to demographic challenges, the European Union decision of dedicating this year to Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations aims to raise awareness of the contribution that older people make to society.
The 2012 European Year aims to promote active ageing in three areas:
1. Employment,
2. Participation in Society,
3. And Independent living.
All policymakers, stakeholders and associations should be sensitive to the situation of older people, and in this perspective they should create better opportunities for active ageing and strengthen solidarity between generations.
Regional and local stakeholders usually are invited to consult a brochure to make the best possible use of available resources, preferably working in partnership also involving several countries. The current brochure is divided into thematic chapters: the first one includes all the activities that local and regional actors can implement to achieve the year’s purposes. In the second chapter, the most relevant funding opportunities available at EU level to support projects are presented. There are also links to further information on the projects and programmes mentioned to let the reader directly access information to sources.
At the beginning of 2010, there were 87 million people aged 65 and over in the EU, more than 17 % of the total population. In response to demographic challenges, the European Union decision of dedicating this year to Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations aims to raise awareness of the contribution that older people make to society.
The 2012 European Year aims to promote active ageing in three areas:
1. Employment,
2. Participation in Society,
3. And Independent living.
All policymakers, stakeholders and associations should be sensitive to the situation of older people, and in this perspective they should create better opportunities for active ageing and strengthen solidarity between generations.
Regional and local stakeholders usually are invited to consult a brochure to make the best possible use of available resources, preferably working in partnership also involving several countries. The current brochure is divided into thematic chapters: the first one includes all the activities that local and regional actors can implement to achieve the year’s purposes. In the second chapter, the most relevant funding opportunities available at EU level to support projects are presented. There are also links to further information on the projects and programmes mentioned to let the reader directly access information to sources.
NGO Alliance
NGO Alliance and its priorities
The NGO Alliance was born with the aim of putting into practice all the initiatives and activities in line with the European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations.
The Alliance brings together stakeholders who promote a vision of a society for all ages where everyone plays an active role in society and enjoys equal rights and opportunities in all stages of their life regardless of age, sex, race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, social or economic status, sexual orientation, physical or mental condition, or need for care.
The aim of the coalition is to give the opportunity for a diverse group of actors to work together to create an Age-Friendly European Union by 2020 boosting in solidarity between generations and enabling the active participation and involvement of all age groups in society providing them adequate support and protection.
Objectives to be achieved throughout EY2012 Alliance activities include the:
• Promotion of active ageing in employment;
• Facilitation of active ageing in the community through active citizenship, volunteering and caring;
• Promotion of healthy ageing across the life cycle while also promoting independent living;
• Promotion of a society for all ages, enhancing cooperation and solidarity between generations as well as recognising the value of their respective identities and contributions to society.
In a longer perspective, however, the main objectives of the Age-Friendly European Union intend to let every age and population group benefit from:
1. A positive attitude to ageing;
2. An inclusive labour market that ensures the participation in paid work of younger and older people;
3. Accessible outdoor spaces, buildings and transport as well as adapted housing and physical activity facilities that promote independent living;
4. Goods and services adapted to the needs of all;
5. Digital inclusion;
6. The possibility to have a voice in the decision-making and research processes that affect them;
7. The opportunity to actively participate in volunteering, cultural, sport and recreational activities, thus creating and/or maintaining their social networks, gaining new competences and contributing to their personal fulfilment and wellbeing;
8. Access to lifelong and intergenerational learning;
9. Social protection systems based on intra- and inter-generational solidarity that prevent and alleviate poverty, guarantee adequacy of old-age income and sustainability of pension schemes for both current and future generations, ensure access to quality social and healthcare services across the life course and support informal carers;
10. Conditions and opportunities to grow and age in good mental and physical health through disease prevention and the promotion of physical activity, a healthy diet, wellbeing and health literacy, as well as action on key social determinants of ill-health.
In practical terms, the coalition has adopted a two-pronged approach through the promotion of the EY2012 and the creation of an age-friendly EU by 2020. Actions are undertaken both at EU level and at national/local level on the one hand building a growing European Coalition, and national and local coalitions, on the other hand securing a European Strategy and national/local plans for the promotion of age-friendly environments.
The Alliance brings together stakeholders who promote a vision of a society for all ages where everyone plays an active role in society and enjoys equal rights and opportunities in all stages of their life regardless of age, sex, race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, social or economic status, sexual orientation, physical or mental condition, or need for care.
The aim of the coalition is to give the opportunity for a diverse group of actors to work together to create an Age-Friendly European Union by 2020 boosting in solidarity between generations and enabling the active participation and involvement of all age groups in society providing them adequate support and protection.
Objectives to be achieved throughout EY2012 Alliance activities include the:
• Promotion of active ageing in employment;
• Facilitation of active ageing in the community through active citizenship, volunteering and caring;
• Promotion of healthy ageing across the life cycle while also promoting independent living;
• Promotion of a society for all ages, enhancing cooperation and solidarity between generations as well as recognising the value of their respective identities and contributions to society.
In a longer perspective, however, the main objectives of the Age-Friendly European Union intend to let every age and population group benefit from:
1. A positive attitude to ageing;
2. An inclusive labour market that ensures the participation in paid work of younger and older people;
3. Accessible outdoor spaces, buildings and transport as well as adapted housing and physical activity facilities that promote independent living;
4. Goods and services adapted to the needs of all;
5. Digital inclusion;
6. The possibility to have a voice in the decision-making and research processes that affect them;
7. The opportunity to actively participate in volunteering, cultural, sport and recreational activities, thus creating and/or maintaining their social networks, gaining new competences and contributing to their personal fulfilment and wellbeing;
8. Access to lifelong and intergenerational learning;
9. Social protection systems based on intra- and inter-generational solidarity that prevent and alleviate poverty, guarantee adequacy of old-age income and sustainability of pension schemes for both current and future generations, ensure access to quality social and healthcare services across the life course and support informal carers;
10. Conditions and opportunities to grow and age in good mental and physical health through disease prevention and the promotion of physical activity, a healthy diet, wellbeing and health literacy, as well as action on key social determinants of ill-health.
In practical terms, the coalition has adopted a two-pronged approach through the promotion of the EY2012 and the creation of an age-friendly EU by 2020. Actions are undertaken both at EU level and at national/local level on the one hand building a growing European Coalition, and national and local coalitions, on the other hand securing a European Strategy and national/local plans for the promotion of age-friendly environments.
ENNA’s participation
ENNA participation and support to EY2012 Alliace activities and projects
We are members of the Alliance and provide support to raise awareness of the Alliance and its activities.
Since our creation, ENNA has taken part in the NGO Alliances supporting the European Years in order to ensure our members are involved in the European framework attending the Alliance meetings and providing support to the initiatives of the Alliance.
For the EY2012 Alliance, on 5th December 2011 we hosted the EY2012 Alliance meeting in which the actions to be taken during the current year were outlined.
As a Network of civil society organisations, we believe that it is important for us to work together in order to benefit ensure an effective mainstreaming of the objectives of the EY2012. We are a link between Europe and the European national civil society associations and our task, among others, is that of informing national associations enabling them to take part in European initiatives.
Since our creation, ENNA has taken part in the NGO Alliances supporting the European Years in order to ensure our members are involved in the European framework attending the Alliance meetings and providing support to the initiatives of the Alliance.
For the EY2012 Alliance, on 5th December 2011 we hosted the EY2012 Alliance meeting in which the actions to be taken during the current year were outlined.
As a Network of civil society organisations, we believe that it is important for us to work together in order to benefit ensure an effective mainstreaming of the objectives of the EY2012. We are a link between Europe and the European national civil society associations and our task, among others, is that of informing national associations enabling them to take part in European initiatives.
