In the EU decision-making, there is a conspicuous absence of representation and formal rights for future generations. With existing strategies limited to 2050, policymakers prioritize short-term gains, sidelining intergenerational equity and the principles of sustainable development. In a recent article, Professor Alberto Alemanno sheds light on this critical issue and proposes transformative measures for the EU to enhance its democratic legitimacy.
The Blind Spot: Future Generations in EU Governance
The European Union, born out of the aftermath of World War II, was conceived as a guardian of future generations. However, today, these future voices remain unheard and unrepresented in EU decision-making. The absence of a legal mandate to consider long-term interests poses a significant challenge.
Proposals for Reform
To address this critical issue, Professor Alemanno suggests several reforms:
1. Establish a Dedicated EU Office for Future Generations
- Learn from existing national models in Finland, Hungary, Malta, Sweden, and Wales, or international examples like Canada, Israel, and Uruguay.
- Consider a 2021 proposal to appoint a United Nations special envoy for future generations, possibly transforming the UN Trusteeship Council into a forward-looking body.
2. European Ombudsman for Future Generations
- Empower the European Ombudsman with enhanced competencies to scrutinize policy decisions impacting future well-being.
- Align with the Treaty on European Union’s aim to “promote peace, values, and the well-being of its people.”
3. European Commissioner for Future Generations
- Designate a member of the European Commission as the Commissioner for Future Generations, potentially with first vice-president status.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration, acting as the EU’s chief foresighter and chief listener, ensuring direct input from citizens and organizations.
4. Expand Impact Assessments Temporal Horizon
- Extend the temporal dimension of impact assessments beyond the current 20-year horizon.
- Draw inspiration from Portugal’s framework for intergenerational fairness, systematically assessing public policies for fairness to current and future generations.
5. European Parliament Intergroup on Future Generations
- Establish a low-cost mechanism for informal exchanges of views on long-term issues.
- Strengthen the connection between parliamentarians and civil society, fostering a more future-oriented legislative approach.
6. Inter-Institutional Agreement on Future Generations
- Model an agreement after the union’s Inter-Institutional Agreement on Better Law-Making.
- Confirm the commitment of the Commission, Parliament, and Council to future generations and outline mechanisms for coordination.
A Europe Fit For Future Generations
As Europe faces an aging population, the urgency to address the blind spot of future generations becomes paramount. Professor Alemanno’s proposals provide a roadmap for the EU to evolve into a forward-thinking, future-ready governance model. These reforms not only enrich democratic qualities but also lay the groundwork for a resilient and inclusive EU—one that is ready to face the challenges that span both time and space. For an in-depth exploration of these proposals, read Professor Alemanno’s full article on SSRN.