European plan for the rights of the elderly

Subject: European plan for the rights of the elderly

The health crisis caused by COVID-19 has shown that the elderly have more than anyone else been the forgotten, left in homes lacking adequate means, consigned to the back of the queue when there has been a shortage of ventilators or beds in intensive care units. The allocation of health resources on the basis of age or level of dependence which has left elderly persons without care is a flagrant violation of human rights and of bio-ethical principles.

Once the state of emergency is over, the EU should aim at a model which safeguards the dignity and fundamental rights of the elderly.

Article 25 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights enshrines the rights of the elderly to lead a life of dignity and independence.

The ever-increasing life expectancy in the EU means that by 2050, the population aged over 65 will have reached 149 million.

In light of the above, does the Commission not consider it appropriate to pursue an agenda that develops a European plan for the rights of the elderly on the basis of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights?

Answer given by Mr Schmit on behalf of the European Commission

(4 September 2020)

One of the priorities of this Commission is to focus on demographic change in Europe and with this, the ageing of its population. Therefore, in 2021, the Commission will publish a Green Paper on Ageing, launching a debate on long-term impacts, notably on long-term care, pensions and other aspects related to ageing. Also the rights of the elderly and healthcare needs of older persons are part of this debate.

The European Pillar of Social Rights (1) is the compass for better working and living conditions in the EU. Several of its principles are beneficial for older people (e.g. life-long learning, old age income and pensions, healthcare, long-term care). Older people need continued access to medical and social care on an equal basis with other persons.

The rights of the elderly are recognised in Article 25 of the EU Charter of Fundamental rights. Article 35 of the Charter enshrines the right to benefit from medical treatment under the conditions established by national laws and practices. The Commission is conducting a stakeholder consultation on the Pillar (2) with the aim to propose an action plan to implement the Pillar in 2021.

The Commission is monitoring developments with the pandemic and its impact on the older population, in particular those in care institutions, and regularly exchanges with Member States regarding their policy responses.

In addition, the Commission has worked with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on better protecting vulnerable groups in the context of the COVID-19 crisis and to improve the situation of older people in long-term care facilities, and guidance has been issued (3).

⋅1∙ https://ec.europa.eu/commission/priorities/deeper-and-fairer-economic-and-monetary-union/european-pillar-social-rights/european-pillar-social-rights-20-

principles_en

⋅2∙ https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1487

⋅3∙ https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/covid-19-long-term-care-facilities-surveillance-guidance.pdf

https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Medically-and-socially-vulnerable-populations-COVID-19.pdf