Is Europe ageing fairly?

Friends of Europe and the Körber-Stiftung will host a workshop in Brussels as part of the Körber-Stiftung’s Stadtlabor Demografischer Wandel (“Municipal Lab on Demographic Change”), a learning and exchange programme for local practitioners from small and medium-sized towns.

Drawing on Friends of Europe’s report Voices for Choices 2026: Is Europe ageing fairly?, which explores the impact of Europe’s ageing population on younger generations, the workshop will examine how demographic change is shaping communities across Europe and what this means for intergenerational fairness, rural development and local policymaking.

The session will form part of the third Stadtlabor in 2026, during which around 20 mayors and municipal practitioners travel to Brussels to experience the European level first-hand. Through exchanges with the European Parliament, the European Commission, the German Association of Towns and Municipalities and civil society organisations, participants will explore how EU policy affects rural areas and how municipalities can play a more active role in shaping European politics.

Over three intensive days at the heart of Europe, the programme will turn abstract institutions into concrete points of contact, creating space for local leaders to share experiences, discuss current challenges and develop joint perspectives for the future of their communities.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky or Instagram and join the #Voices4Choices conversation!

Our events include photos, audio and video recording that we might use for promotional purposes. By registering you expressly confirm that you have read and understood Friends of Europe privacy policy. Should you have any questions, please contact us on privacy@friendsofeurope.org.

PHOTO CREDIT: Shutterstock| PeopleImages