Address by CEB Vice-Governor Tomáš Boček at Joint CoE-CEB Conference on Inclusive and Sustainable Care for Older Persons (Strasbourg, 9 December 2025)

Esteemed colleagues, distinguished speakers, ladies and gentlemen,

What a privilege it is to welcome you all—both here in Strasbourg and online—on behalf of the Council of Europe Development Bank. Today’s conference is not just another event; it’s a testament to our shared vision for a Europe where every older person is valued, supported, and empowered.

I extend heartfelt thanks to the Council of Europe for our thriving partnership, now shining through in our second joint conference. Special appreciation also goes to the European Commission, whose collaboration through the InvestEU Advisory Hub has helped bring this gathering to life. Together, we are not just talking about change—we are making it happen, driving high-quality, inclusive social outcomes across the continent.

Your presence here is more than symbolic. It’s a powerful statement: we are united in tackling one of Europe’s most urgent social challenges —ensuring that older persons receive the care, dignity, and respect they so richly deserve. As Europe’s population ages at a pace never seen before, the gaps in health and social care grow ever wider. But today, surrounded by such a wealth of expertise, we have a unique opportunity to shape bold, integrated, and forward-thinking solutions.

***

As Vice-Governor of the CEB, I am proud to highlight our Bank’s unwavering commitment to social cohesion and to meeting society’s most pressing needs—including those of older persons. Since 1956, the CEB has been a catalyst for positive change, financing projects that transform lives, strengthen communities, and open doors to essential services.

Our mission is deeply intertwined with the values of the Council of Europe: human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The Council sets the standards and vision; the CEB turns those ideals into reality, channeling resources into projects that make a tangible difference. Through our financial tools, technical know-how, and hands-on partnerships with authorities at every level, we help turn shared commitments into lasting results—building infrastructure, enhancing care, and weaving stronger, more inclusive communities.

***

Across our member countries—from Spain to Serbia to the Netherlands—the CEB has championed investments that uplift the lives of older persons. We’ve modernised care facilities, expanded community-based services, improved long-term care systems, and supported independent living through better housing and accessible infrastructure.

These efforts prove that when investment is smart, targeted, and rooted in local participation, it can transform not just individual care settings, but entire systems. Yet, we know the journey is far from over. Regional inequalities, workforce shortages, tight budgets, and rising demand all put immense pressure on public authorities. Overcoming these hurdles demands more than policy reform—it calls for sustained, strategic investment, which many regions struggle to mobilise alone.

That’s where the CEB steps in. We offer flexible, affordable financing tailored to the unique needs of governments, regions, and cities. We bring technical expertise to help design robust investment programs. And we work side by side with our members to co-create solutions that reflect local priorities while advancing the Council of Europe’s high standards.

By blending policy guidance, local engagement, and financial support, we can ensure that care for older persons across Europe is not only high-quality, but also inclusive, resilient, and built to last.

***

Let me close with a call to action: Building inclusive and sustainable care for older persons is not just a challenge—it’s an extraordinary opportunity. We can shape a Europe that greets ageing with solidarity, vision, and respect. A Europe where access to care is a right, not a privilege. A Europe that treasures its older citizens as pillars of our communities.

To get there, we must innovate, collaborate, and always keep people at the heart of our decisions—across institutions, sectors, and borders. Investment and policy must go hand in hand, and the CEB stands ready to help forge that vital connection.

This is our shared responsibility. And it is a goal we can only reach together.

***

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to improving care for older persons. I look forward to the rich discussions ahead. I am confident that by the end of this conference, we will have strengthened our partnerships, broadened our horizons, and charted new paths toward a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

Thank you.