- Why is it important for the EU to work for Future Generations?
Many of the decisions we make today have a far-reaching impact on the future. What we do today to promote peace, stop climate change, the erosion of democracy or regulate emerging technologies will shape the EU Future Generations inherit. They inherit our decisions, yet their interests are not legally represented. - Who are we referring to when we speak of Future Generations?
Future Generations are those not yet born, who will live the consequences of our current decisions. While they have some overlapping interests too, they are distinct from youth and children, who tend to benefit from policies addressing their more immediate concerns pertinent to their respective stages of life. - What opportunities does EU law provide for Future Generations?
The Treaty on the European Union (TEU) and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), implicitly support the protection of Future Generations. Article 3(3) TEU introduces the concept of solidarity between generations, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (Charter) do not limit human rights enjoyment to
current generations and explicitly refer to Future Generations. - Are Future Generations acknowledged within our national legal traditions?
There is significant inspiration and experience across the EU. 14 EU member states commit in their constitutions to protect Future Generations. Other forms of representation include the Hungarian Parliamentary Commissioner for Future Generations, the Parliamentary Committee for the Future in Finland or the Guardian for Future Generations in Malta. - What do we expect from a Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness?
The new commissioner should legislate to make the rights of Future Generations more explicit and operational in EU law, to use foresight appropriately in impact assessments for Future Generations and to establish participatory processes for their political representation. - How can we effectively represent Future Generations when they have not yet been born?
Surveys show that current generations are concerned about the fate of Future Generations and support policies for them. This means we can establish tailored participatory processes to represent Future Generations where the fair distribution of burden or welfare between generations is addressed. - How can we evaluate the impact of policies on Future Generations?
With the establishment of a Future Generations impact assessment in the Better Regulation Guidelines. Such a tool should build on strategic foresight and citizen participation. - What type of legislation is necessary to protect Future Generations?
The Future Generations Initiative requests an Interinstitutional Declaration on the Human Rights of Future Generations. This document should reinforce the commitment of TEU Art 3 and should build on relevant court decisions (e.g. Neubauer v. Germany, Klimaseniorinnen v. Switzerland). Other important sources are the Constitutions of about a dozen EU Member States or the Maastricht Principles on the Human Rights of Future Generations.
