Recently, I witnessed an encounter in a trendy café that got me thinking about intergenerational fairness. Two elderly customers walked in, clearly unfamiliar with the space, and hesitantly approached the counter. The menu — filled with modern offerings like “pumpkin spice ice latte”, the steep prices and a different kind of service to get their coffee, left them perplexed. One of them joked: “It seems they don’t have pastizzi…”. The young barista, who didn’t speak Maltese, were excited to serve them, a reminder that even across generations and cultures, something as simple as coffee can connect people.

Yet, this light-hearted moment also highlighted the stark contrast in how older generations are navigating a world that has evolved rapidly, often leaving them behind. These are people who lived through times when a coffee cost less than a euro, when local każini were central to community life, and now they find themselves grappling with technology, cultural shifts, and a skyrocketing cost of living. It can make them feel invisible in the very society they helped build.

This scene brought me back thinking of the title that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed as part of the portfolio of Malta’s nominee to the European Commission, Glenn Micallef: intergenerational fairness. While much of his focus will rightly be on the challenges younger generations face, given the rest of his portfolio – such as the housing crises, economic barriers, and online abuse – we must not forget the growing struggles of older generations who often feel left behind in a fast-changing world.

During my time in the European Parliament, I proposed to the President of the European Commission the idea of appointing a Commissioner dedicated to older generations. My aim was to create a role that acknowledges their contributions and addresses their needs in a world where technology and culture are evolving rapidly. To see this somehow come to life, with a Maltese (and a friend) at the helm, is a moment of satisfaction.

We often talk about fairness in terms of creating opportunities for younger generations —and rightly so — but true fairness means ensuring that no one, regardless of age, is left behind. The older generation built the foundation of the modern world. They navigated challenges in their time that helped shape the world we live in today. Yet, many feel excluded from the very society they contributed to.

Glenn Micallef’s portfolio offers an opportunity to balance these concerns. Many of the topics in his portfolio are shared or national competences, rather than European competences, and therefore not too many legislative proposals are expected. However, the European Commission can work to touch people’s lives and advocate for policies that foster inclusivity. Whether it’s addressing the digital divide or making basic goods and services more affordable, there is great potential to impact lives across all age groups.

As I reflect on that café moment, I’m reminded of the importance of bridging the gap between generations. Intergenerational fairness is not just about solving the challenges of one group —it’s about creating a society where everyone can thrive. Our future should leave no one behind, no matter their age and Glenn is at pole position to start the first steps towards this ambition. I wish him all the best in doing so.