From principle to policy: Intergenerational solidarity as a pillar of the EU’s long-term governance

This article reflects on the evolution of intergenerational solidarity from being a conceptual value to becoming a policy concern within the EU institutional system. It analyses the current strategies which aim to mainstream intergenerational fairness across EU policymaking and argues that, despite recent progress, the EU still lacks binding mechanisms to assess the long-term impact of its decisions on future generations. The article highlights that, for the sustainability and legitimacy of EU action, intergenerational solidarity must evolve from a principle to a governance tool—guiding not only social and climate policy but also emerging areas such as EU defence, fiscal strategy and digital transformation. As growing defence spending reshapes EU priorities, the importance of aligning security investments with the interests and rights of younger and future generations is underlined.