European Year 2012 / Social aspects in focus / Parliament and Council Reach Agreement on campaign details

The European Year 2012 has finally got a name. 'Active ageing and solidarity of generations' is the title Parliament and Council agreed on in Strasbourg last night. "We have set out a clear message for the European Year 2012", said Martin Kastler MEP who is the European Parliament Rapporteur on the European Year 2012.

Parliament's achievements include the title, the concept and the budget of the next European Year. "We have now got the link between active ageing and the solidarity of generations. This means we are striving to maintain vitality and respect the dignity of all individuals. I am delighted that we have highlighted the social values of the European Year", said the EPP Group MEP.

As for the concept of the European Year, the idea of a European 'culture of active ageing' has been established. "The main pillars are the solidarity of generations, maintaining vitality and respect for the dignity of human beings. The European Year 2012 has the most respectable intentions", said Mr Kastler.

Parliament also succeeded in the budget negotiations. Council and Commission initially had no intention of finding money for the European Year campaign. "You cannot raise awareness if you do not invest. I am happy to say that our determination has paid off and that there will be five million Euros allocated to the European Year 2012", said the European Parliament Rapporteur. Plenary is going to adopt the final agreement on 23 June.

Official logo of the European Year 2012

For further information:
Martin Kastler MEP, Tel: +33-3-88177538
Thomas Bickl, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-478-215372

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 265 Members.