Representatives of the Red Cross of Serbia and the Foundation ‘Novi Sad – European Capital of Culture’ met with the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Milan Antonijević, on 5 February 2026, within the framework of the international project Age Against the Machine.

The meeting was attended by Natasa Todorović and Milutin Vračević from the Red Cross of Serbia, as well as Lazar Jovanov from the Foundation “Novi Sad – European Capital of Culture.”

During the meeting, discussions focused on recommendations developed within the project aimed at reducing ageism and age-based discrimination, improving the position of older persons, and strengthening their access to health, social, and protection services. Special emphasis was placed on systemic forms of age-based discrimination, as well as on the gender dimension of ageism, particularly in the context of violence, neglect, and unequal access to services.

The recommendations presented at the meeting are based on research findings, the lived experiences of older persons, and participatory work conducted within the Age Against the Machine project, including artistic and educational activities addressing issues of age equality, dignity, and intergenerational solidarity.

The participants agreed that combating ageism is a key prerequisite for the full enjoyment of the human rights of older persons, and that it is essential to further strengthen cooperation between institutions, civil society, and the cultural sector in order to raise awareness and improve public policies.

The Red Cross of Serbia and the Foundation “Novi Sad – European Capital of Culture” will continue, through the Age Against the Machine project, to advocate for a human-rights-based approach, non-discrimination, and the active participation of older persons in society.

The Age Against the Machine project is implemented with the support of the European Union through the CERV – Town Twinning / Network of Towns programme, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, and the City of Novi Sad, with the aim of promoting intergenerational solidarity, combating ageism, and increasing the visibility of older persons in the cultural and public life of the community.