When European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her political guidelines in July, she pledged to appoint a Commissioner that would ensure “decisions taken today do not harm future generations.” But what would a Commissioner for Future Generations do? The Future Generations Initiative has several ideas which it recently set out in a Mission Letter for the role. Ruby Silk reports.
As the European Parliament prepares to scrutinise the proposed members of Ursula von der Leyen’s incoming Commission from September 30 to October 8, a question mark hangs over one notable promise — the appointment of a commissioner “whose responsibilities will include ensuring intergenerational fairness.” This pledge, embedded in von der Leyen’s political guidelines, is a response to growing concerns around the political short-termism which is failing to address the pressing challenges Europe faces, particularly future harms threatened by climate collapse and environmental degradation.
The introduction of a Future Generations Commissioner would be a significant step forward, reflecting the demands of NGOs, citizens, and environmental advocates who have long called for a more forward-looking approach to policy-making within the European Union. If provided with the necessary resources and support, this role could become a landmark example of how democratic institutions can safeguard the interests of future generations.
Institutions for future generations exist in different shapes and formats throughout Europe and the world. So do political and legal commitment to intergenerational fairness. At the EU level, an institutional role has been long awaited. In the realm of environmental policy, the idea is anything but new. In particular, the Aarhus Convention, an international agreement on environmental rights established in 1998, seeks to protect “the right of every person of present and future generations to live in an environment adequate to his or her health and wellbeing.”
What does a Future Generations Commissioner look like?
While the announcement of a European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness is promising, its success hinges on the clarity and strength of the role’s mandate. First and foremost, the rights of future generations must be legally defined and enforceable. Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union, which emphasises “solidarity between generations” and “sustainable development,” provides a solid foundation for such a mandate.
Likewise, inspiration should be taken from a recent landmark ruling from the European Court of Human Rights, where the court established that Member States’ policies should be guided by the “importance of intergenerational burden-sharing” and protect “the members of society who stand to be most affected” by these challenges, even if they are “at a distinct representational disadvantage.” An important job for this Commissioner will be to push for some more explicit and specific legal language in EU law for future generations.
With regards to the mandate, the Future Generations Initiative, a coalition of 28 NGOs including the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and one of the leading advocates for a Future Generations Commissioner, has a clear vision for how such a role could be most effectively instrumentalised. In its Mission Letter to President von der Leyen, the Initiative outlines key priorities.
Collaboration across key policy areas
The role of the Future Generations Commissioner must be inherently collaborative. This Commissioner should work closely with other Commissioners responsible for areas such as climate action, social rights, culture and education, the economy, environment and cohesion policy. A top priority should be to lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive interinstitutional declaration on the rights of future generations, in close collaboration with the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. This would ensure that the long-term implications of policies are fully considered across all dimensions, from green and digital transitions to democratic resilience and economic sustainability.
A new approach to strategic planning
The Future Generations Commissioner should champion a forward-looking approach to EU legislation, emphasising long-term strategy and foresight. It’s crucial that this role distinguishes between the interests of “future generations” and today’s youth and children. Although these groups share some concerns, they are distinct and should be addressed accordingly. For example, policies for future generations should focus more on embedding a long-term perspective into legislation, rather than immediate issues like education or employment. A new dedicated Commissioner should champion new and better legislation for the safeguarding of the rights of future generations, namely the rights to a livable and hospitable planet.
Incorporating foresight into EU lawmaking is essential. Every new proposal should undergo rigorous impact assessments to ensure it is grounded in the latest scientific evidence and that it aligns with long-term priorities. Such assessments would also serve to stress-test initiatives against unforeseen challenges, ensuring their resilience.
Engaging citizens for durable decision-making
To build a truly sustainable future, it is essential to incorporate everyday considerations into long-term policies. Building trust among citizens is crucial to this endeavour. Drawing on the successes of the Conference on the Future of Europe and the Citizens’ Engagement Platform, the Commissioner should establish a participatory advisory platform where European citizens can provide strategic input to the Commission. This platform should adhere to the highest standards of public participation, using the expertise and resources of relevant civil society organisations (for example, the EEBs ‘Dos and Don’ts for Public Participation’).
A Commissioner for Hope
The establishment of a Future Generations Commissioner is a bold and necessary step towards tackling the long-term challenges Europe is facing. Equipped with the right tools and a clear, enforceable focus on intergenerational fairness, the Commissioner has the potential to transform EU governance, ensure that representation of the interests of future generations mitigates policymakers’ short-termism and restore people’s faith in the system. This is not just about safeguarding tomorrow and the day after; it’s about making today’s decisions count for the long haul.
…and if the Commissioner needs more inspiration, they could also check out the EEB’s European Pact for the Future. Our agenda of hope provides a blueprint for a new social and environmental deal for a one-planet economy that ensures a just transition for all.
