From Brussels, a European mandate for quality, investment, human capital and innovation in the care of dependent older persons
Brussels, 26 June 2026 – The General Assembly of E.C.H.O. – European Confederation of Care Home Organisations has unanimously reappointed Cavaliere del Lavoro Averardo Orta as President of the European Confederation representing organisations in the residential and long-term care sector.
The newly elected Executive Board will serve for the 2026–2028 term. The Assembly also unanimously confirmed the reappointment of Bernd Meurer, President of BPA (Germany), as Vice-President; Sebastiano Capurso, President of ANASTE (Italy), as Treasurer; and Alberto Echevarria, Secretary General of FED (Spain), as Secretary General of E.C.H.O.
The reappointment comes at a decisive moment for the future of the European welfare system. Europe is ageing rapidly: today, around 99 million people aged 65 and over live in the European Union, representing approximately 22% of the population. More than one quarter of people aged 65 and above report severe difficulties with personal care or household activities—a statistical proxy indicating a population of approximately 25 million frail or dependent older people. At the same time, the overall demand for long-term care is expected to increase significantly, rising from 30.8 million Europeans potentially in need of long-term care in 2019 to an estimated 33.7 million by 2030 and 38.1 million by 2050. Based on this trend, potential demand could reach around 35 million people within the next decade.
Within the European statistical sector most closely related to long-term residential care, more than 2.6 million people are already employed, generating a net turnover of approximately €136 billion. These figures demonstrate that elderly care is not only a social and healthcare issue, but also a major European infrastructure for employment, community-based services, innovation and social cohesion.
“This unanimous reappointment is both a sign of confidence and a responsibility,” said President Averardo Orta. “The level of civilisation of a society is measured by the way it cares for its most vulnerable citizens. In the coming years, Europe will have to address simultaneously the growing number of dependent older people, workforce shortages, the sustainability of welfare systems, and the need to ensure quality and dignity in care. E.C.H.O. will continue working alongside the European institutions, national associations and sector stakeholders to build a modern, accessible and sustainable model of care for older people.”
The priorities of the new mandate include strengthening dialogue with the European institutions by promoting common policies on long-term care; enhancing the value of health and social care professionals, who represent a strategic resource that is increasingly difficult to recruit; supporting public and private investment to expand and improve care services; promoting technological innovation and telemedicine while preserving the central role of human relationships in care; defining European standards for quality, safety and continuity of care; and fostering a new culture of care capable of integrating residential care, home care, rehabilitation, day-care services and digital solutions.
Founded in Brussels in 1989, E.C.H.O. brings together national organisations active in elderly care and long-term care across Europe. The Confederation pursues social, scientific, educational and informational objectives by promoting service quality, cooperation among member countries and structured dialogue with the European institutions. Under the renewed leadership of Cav. Lav. Averardo Orta, E.C.H.O. aims to further strengthen its role as the European voice of the long-term care sector, promoting a longevity-focused welfare model built on dignity, professionalism, sustainability and innovation.
Press Contacts
E.C.H.O. – European Confederation of Care Home Organisations
Email: echo@echo-eu.com
Website: www.echo-eu.com
