Brussels, 27/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - The COMECE (Commission of Episcopates of the European Union) held its spring plenary session on 21-23 March on the theme of active ageing and intergenerational solidarity. In addition to the 23 bishops belonging to COMECE, there were experts of the European Commission present, and representatives of the academic world and the Catholic Community of Sant'Egidio, which works in a secular environment. COMECE affirmed that ageing should not be considered a burden to be borne but as a benefit for society, given the professional experience and life skills that older people can pass on to the young, and recalling that dialogue and solidarity between generations is the foundation of human development and of our societies. That is why public authorities should give their support when the family takes older members into their care. Bishops want public policies to promote family wellbeing, with advantageous tax policies, the development of care structures for children and measures that promote a fair balance between family and professional life. Appointed at the assembly as the new COMECE president, Cardinal Reinhard Marx stated, on the subject of the financial crisis, that a “global crisis demands a common response”. He said it is therefore necessary to regain a meaning for collective and responsible action. Only by meeting such conditions will it be possible to resolve common problems. “We are at a decisive moment for the future of Europe”, he concluded. (IL/transl.jl)