Following a conference on intergenerational solidarity in April 2008 under the Slovenian Presidency, there have been calls to organise a European Year for Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity.

That European Year should strengthen intergenerational solidarity by increasing the awareness of the contribution of older people to society and by spreading innovative measures which could help to mobilise the full potential of the ageing baby-boom cohorts.

A public consultation was launched on the 1st  June with the purpose to collect ideas and suggestions from key stakeholders and experts on how to achieve the greatest possible impact with such a European Year and to help the Commission decide whether and how to organise a European Year. Taking part in this consultation will offer government bodies, social partner and civil society organisations and other stakeholders as well as experts an opportunity to contribute to the design of a European Year that should produce the greatest possible positive impact on intergenerational solidarity.

The questionnaire of this consultation is meant to help respondents in structuring their response to this consultation, and the Commission in analysing the responses. Responses should be submitted by the 31st of July 2009, preferably in English, French or German.

2009 is the European Year for Creativity and Innovation, and 2010 will be for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. The year dedicated to Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity would come after European Year for Volunteering. These initiatives underline the social commitment of the institutions of the EU in the most varied subjects.