A new EU Commisioner for Intergenerational Fairness

In her speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, European Commission President designate, Ursula von der Leyen, has announced she intends to appoint a Commissioner with responsibilities for ‘intergenerational fairness’.

Responding to von der Leyen’s priorities for 2024-9 published today in conjunction with the speech, Elizabeth Dirth, Managing Director of the ZOE Institute for Future-Fit Economies said:

“The European Union is at its heart a long-term project – by creating a position dedicated to intergenerational fairness Ursula von der Leyen is taking action to get out of permanent crisis-management mode and better balance short-term and long-term thinking for present and future generations. This is an important step forward.

“Short-termism is a scourge on Europe’s long-term prosperity, and it is a really positive sign that von der Leyen wants to strengthen the long-term perspective in her next Commission. Long-term thinking is critical not only for young people, but also for competitiveness, democracy, social and economic resilience, and the green and digital transition.

“A new Commissioner with responsibility for intergenerational fairness must be given clear leadership, a cross-cutting remit, and teeth. They need to check all policy and investment decisions for their impacts on the future and on generations yet to come.”

Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales 2016-23, ‘the world’s first minister for future generations’, commented:

“Decisions made today will have a profound impact on the future of the European Union and the lives of its people for decades to come. It is great to hear Ursula von der Leyen announce today that the next Commission will include a role which prioritises future generations. I know from experience how important it is to have a focal point for long-term thinking in the system. But it requires leadership and commitment and a clear role. An Executive Vice President level appointment is needed to give future generations the importance they deserve.”

ZOE Institute for Future-Fit Economies has proposed three priorities for a new role for to enshrine intergenerational thinking in the next Commission:

• Integrate and embed intergenerational thinking in the policy cycle
• Safeguard future generations’ wellbeing, and act as a conduit for their concerns, through scrutiny of policies, reforms, and investments
• Review and monitor progress towards the EU’s vision of the future of Europe in collaboration with citizens.