Future generations must be given a seat at the EU table

The EU needs a European Commissioner for Future Generations in its next college to enshrine long-term thinking and act as a guardian and conduit for future generations’ interests, Alberto Alemanno and Elizabeth Dirth write.

At its origin, the European Union was conceived as a long-term project. Yet as it approaches the end of another five-year term, the structures of the EU are jeopardising its ability to deliver on its long-term promise.

Now is the moment to think creatively about the next five-year cycle. Many reform ideas have been floated but so far not one that addresses directly the persistent deprioritisation of long-term interests.

Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti often dubbed the EU the "trade union" which defends the interests of future generations.