The European Economic and Social Committee and the City of Wroclaw are organising a joint European Citizens' Forum entitled "Towards a Europe of Solidarity", which will take place on 19-20 June 2008 in Wroclaw (Poland). The Forum is intended to be both a meeting with interested citizens and a celebration of the European Idea with the general public. The conference will be opened by Mr Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland and a representative of the EU Presidency, Ms Marjeta Cotman, Slovenian Minister of Labour, Family and Social Affairs, Mrs Jillian van Turnhout, EESC vice-President, as well as Mr Rafał Dutkiewicz, Mayor of Wrocław.

Forum "Towards a Europe of Solidarity" will be part of the 50th anniversary of the EESC, demonstrating how the European Idea can tangibly reach out to active citizens and civil society organisations "outside Brussels" and should facilitate policy discussion on a wide range of subjects linked to youth, intergenerational solidarity, citizenship and the shaping of tomorrow's Europe. This two-day event will be large-scale and inter-active, with a wide range of informal working groups maximising participation.

The following subjects will be discussed at various sessions of the Forum:

• Youth employment.
• The situation of ageing workers.
• Social recognition - young and older people's active role in European society.
• Labour market opportunities.
• Entrepreneurship.
• New skills, future jobs and future pensions.
• Young education and older knowledge.
• Informal and non-formal learning at all ages.
• Recognition of qualifications and experience between generations.
• Europe's cultural heritage and cultural future.
• Family policy, reconciling work and family life.
• Social insurance, combating poverty and providing sustainable health care for life.
• Housing needs for young and old.
• Demographic challenges with tomorrow's elderly and sustainable development for tomorrow's youth.
• Globalisation, social realities and the future European social model.
• Children's rights and rights of the elderly.

Journalists will have the opportunity to take part in a Press Conference on the 20th June 2008 at 1 p.m.