Ministers adopted a general approach on a draft decision designating 2012 as the European Year of active ageing (see Council Doc. 16511/10), pending the adoption of the European Parliament's opinion at first reading.
The draft decision is aimed to strengthen intergenerational solidarity by increasing awareness of the contribution of older people to society and by spreading innovative measures which could help to mobilise the full potential of the growing population in their late 50s and above. It seeks to stimulate debate and develop mutual learning between member states in order to promote active ageing policies, and it offers a framework for commitment and concrete action to enable Member States and stakeholders to develop policies through specific activities.