Brussels, 29/11/2012 (Agence Europe) -European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso hosted a meeting on 27 November with representatives of philosophical and non-confessional organisations in the Commission headquarters in Brussels. The theme of the meeting was “Inter-generational solidarity: setting the parameters for tomorrow's society in Europe”. European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Parliament Vice-President Laszlo Surjan jointly chaired the meeting. The European leaders and the representatives of the organisations present exchanged views on how to strengthen solidarity between generations and foster an active-ageing culture in Europe, all against a backdrop of important demographic challenges and a growing need for social innovation. Barroso warned against the temptation, in difficult times, of populist ideas: “Europe is built on solidarity, but this solidarity is challenged in the crisis. (…) In reality, the EU is the only framework where both solidarity and the necessary reforms can be brought together for the common European good” he stated. Van Rompuy highlighted respect as the most essential value: “Respect resulting in equal rights for everyone, non-discrimination in all its forms, as well solidarity and brotherhood”. Surjan added: “In the European Parliament, we believe that inter-generational solidarity has helped citizens survive the recent crisis”. The participants at the meeting acknowledged the role that philosophical and non-confessional organisations play in promoting values, such as freedom, equal rights and solidarity in Europe and elsewhere around the world. They agreed on the need to address the challenges of demographic change, like fighting discrimination, creating better job opportunities for people of all ages and fostering life-long learning. These endeavours directly feed into the European Commission's overall growth strategy for Europe, by striving for better education, less poverty and a fairer society. (IL/transl.fl)