The so-called confirmation hearings for candidates for new commissioners, scheduled for November 4–12, have begun at the European Parliament in Brussels, during which MEPs assess whether the candidates are “sufficiently independent, competent, and committed to European affairs to serve as members of the new European Commission.” On the first day of the hearings, during a discussion with Glenn Micallef, the Maltese candidate for Commissioner for Intergenerational Justice, Youth, Culture, and Sports, PiS MEP Marlena Maląg took the floor.
The PiS MEP addressed the issue of intergenerational solidarity included in Micallef’s portfolio, drawing particular attention to the problem of negative demographic trends and an aging society. She asked what measures would be taken to support older adults, combat loneliness in old age, and address discrimination against older adults in the workplace. In this context, she noted that in many sectors, it is common for such individuals to be laid off despite their protected status, and their ability to find new employment or retrain is limited. “That is why I ask: how specifically do you intend to support the silver economy or mentoring in the workplace?” she pressed.
Glenn Micallef emphasized that the new European Commission will prioritize ensuring that “everyone in society has a voice.” He stated that intergenerational justice is based on three pillars: harmony between generations; equal opportunities for people of different generations; and active, empowered citizens who trust public institutions. “The concept of intergenerational fairness is enshrined in our treaties, and it is something I will work hard to advance,” he noted. In this context, he also spoke about negative demographic trends—an aging population, declining fertility, and increasing life expectancy. “We must adapt our policies to the fact that, for example, 50 percent of young people born today will likely live to be 100 years old. This will have implications for housing, social, and labor market policies, as well as climate change. All of this is interconnected across various sectors. We will make efforts in different policy areas and develop strategies through concrete, targeted actions. “I will strive to look ahead so that we take action based on facts,” the candidate for commissioner argued.
