To celebrate the 3rd European Day on Solidarity between Generations, the European Commission held a high level conference 'Towards the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (2012)' on April 29th, 2011.

The event was attended by more than 400 participants.

The conference brought together Member States, regional and local authorities, social partners and civil society organisations and achieved an important milestone in finalising plans for the European Year 2012. The European Parliament and Council are expected to adopt the decision on the 2012 European Year by June 2011. Active ageing is of key importance to Europe reaching its Europe 2020 headline employment target of 75%. It is also an important way to maintain solidarity between generations in societies with rapidly increasing numbers of older people.

At the conference, all stakeholders, made up of Member States, regional and local authorities, social partners and civil society organisations, were invited to commit on specific objectives and activities in view of the European Year 2012. The first of these commitments can be seen on this website (see 'Initiatives'), which was also launched during the conference.

For more information click 'Related Documents' in the right hand column.