The European Commission has published the brochure "The EU Contribution to Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations", a comprehensive document which sets out what the European Union is doing to encourage active ageing.

Released within the framework of the European Year 2012, the 24-page brochure presents the EU’s efforts regarding the active ageing agenda, showing that it is a strong partner in this regard.

The main tools to support active ageing are in the hands of policymakers in the Member States. However, the EU can mobilise a wide range of policy instruments to support national governments and other stakeholders in their efforts. Hence, the brochure covers existing measures at EU level, but also looks at others that are still being discussed, such as legislation in the pipeline and proposals for funding programmes in the new 2014-20 budget cycle.

The overall aim is to inspire more determined efforts in all Member States to promote active ageing, thereby ensuring that solidarity between generations can withstand the test of population ageing.

The European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012 provides an opportunity to think about what we can do to make active ageing a reality and to commit to new initiatives in the years to come.

The publication may be downloaded in all EU official languages here. Printed copies will be available soon and can be ordered at the EU bookshop.