On 18 November 2025, Commissioner Šuica held an Implementation Dialogue in Brussels focusing on the older people pillar of the European Union’s Demography Toolbox. The meeting brought together 32 stakeholders from European NGOs, advocacy bodies, social partners, private sector initiatives, research and academic institutions, professional and international organisations, as well as government ministries and authorities.
The discussions addressed three main areas: ageism and age-based discrimination, healthy longevity, and the longevity economy. Participants emphasized the importance of recognizing older people as contributors to society and the economy rather than as a burden.
On the issue of ageism, stakeholders highlighted the need for longer and more inclusive working lives. Measures such as tasks adapted to age, phased retirement, and flexible work arrangements were discussed as tools to maintain employability and social cohesion. Participants also noted that age remains the only ground for protection against discrimination without dedicated EU legislation, creating potential barriers to labor market participation, lifelong learning, and social inclusion.
Discussions on healthy longevity stressed that ageing well depends on interventions across the entire life course. Prevention, mental health promotion, supportive environments, social connections, and tackling inequalities were identified as key factors. Stakeholders called for greater investment in long-term care, workforce development, and age-friendly housing and infrastructure to support autonomous living. Coordination between health, social, and labor policies, along with the use of innovation and technology, was highlighted as important for enhancing personal autonomy and supporting both formal and informal carers.
Regarding the longevity economy, participants discussed the economic opportunities associated with an ageing population. Existing labour, pension, and financial systems were described as largely designed for shorter life expectancy and not fully adapted to demographic changes. Measures suggested included developing age-friendly housing, promoting financial literacy and life-cycle planning, and upskilling workers in social care, health, and technology sectors. EFFE specifically highlighted the value of recognizing unpaid family care and families as employers to facilitate access to long-term care and reduce undeclared domestic work.
Stakeholders also underlined the importance of coordinated EU-level action to improve policy coherence and effectiveness. Reference was made to the 2024 linkage between pension adequacy reports and long-term care, as well as the need to ensure compatibility between pensions and extended working lives, and to prevent age-based discrimination in financial services.
Commissioner Šuica concluded the dialogue by noting two main points: adapting the economy to demographic realities is key for competitiveness, and collaboration with stakeholders is essential to address challenges effectively. She indicated that insights from the dialogue would contribute to the next steps in implementing the Demography Toolbox and supporting policy development at both EU and Member State levels.
The dialogue provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange experiences, identify challenges, and propose concrete measures on long-term care, age equality, and the longevity economy, helping to inform ongoing discussions and policy adjustments related to Europe’s demographic transformation.
More information on the implementation dialogue and its conclusions available here.