'EU moet momentum Europees Jaar van actief ouder worden in stand houden' (en)

“The European Year 2012 formed a solid basis for policy making and demonstrated a strong political commitment, as well as raising awareness on the importance of promoting active ageing and solidarity between generations through employment, social participation and independent living”, stated the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Demetris Christofias, today, December 10. In his address at the Conference “From Visions to Actions: Closing Conference of the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012”, which took place at the ‘Filoxenia’ Conference Centre FILOXENIA in Lefkosia (Nicosia), the President expressed the wish that the aims of the European Year 2012 will remain high on the agenda of the following Presidencies of the Council of the European Union, actively seeking to create a society of solidarity for all ages.

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, whose speech was delivered on his behalf by the Presidential Commissioner, Mr George Iacovou, noted that he is particularly happy for the “interest which was shown in realising the vision of the European Year, with actions at the European, national, regional and local level, by the social partners and the civil society. It is essential and our great responsibility to maintain the momentum which has been created during the European Year.”

The concept of having a European Year designated to an issue of particular importance to the EU was initiated in the 1980s and European Years aim to raise awareness and draw the attention of national governments. The year 2012 was designated as the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. To mark the year, special events, conferences and initiatives have taken place across the EU in order to raise awareness, spread good practices and encourage policymakers and stakeholders at all levels to facilitate active ageing. Today’s conference marked the closing of the European Year 2012 and discussions were centred on what was achieved during the Year and looking at the way forward.

“Our vision is for a Europe for all ages”

In her intervention, Cyprus’ Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Ms Sotiroula Charalmbous, mentioned that the rise in life expectancy constitutes a major success of European society. In parallel, however, population ageing creates numerous challenges and calls for various political interventions in different fields.

“Our vision is to ensure a society of cohesion and solidarity. In order to transform the vision into actions, it is required to commit for the implementation of specific measures for the promotion of active ageing and solidarity between generations. Active ageing does not only include actions for employment but requires actions to enable all to fully participate in dignity without of stereotypes,” Ms Charalambous concluded.

On behalf of the European Commission, Ms. Lenia Samuel praised Cyprus for its good use of the European Globalisation Fund, while she said that the year that past “was a good opportunity to get some feedback on the European Year and to mobilise a strong interest across the theme of active ageing”