To The Hague today, to the headquarters of the Dutch Social and Economic Council (SER), for the annual meeting of the Presidents and Secretaries General of the economic and social councils and similar institutions in the member states. The twin themes of our discussions over the next two days will be; ‘engaging younger generations: the future of ESCs.’ By their very nature, our consultative, advisory bodies are constantly reflecting on how they can optimise their roles. Our Dutch hosts have consciously juxtaposed this constant reflective and renewal process with the very specific challenge of intergenerational solidarity. The network of councils (a heterogeneous collection of institutions) is deliberately loose and informal and at its best when discussing such common challenges and experiences – particularly in the context of such a timely theme.