The UN stated clearly in 2024 that "the decisions, actions, and inactions of present generations have an intergenerational multiplier effect". Today's choices by governments-concerning economic policies, fiscal consolidation, pension schemes, or environmental impacts-risk placing a disproportionate burden on the growth opportunities of future generations, failing to guarantee sufficient resources for their balanced development.

To "ensure that present generations act with responsibility towards safeguarding the needs and interests of future generations," several countries-including France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium within the EU-have adopted the Generational Impact Assessment. This instrument utilizes a Youth Test to evaluate the effects of legislation on young people and to propose mitigation or compensation measures if the resulting legacy is negative.

In Italy, the Valutazione di Impatto Generazionale (VIG) has already been successfully piloted at regional and municipal levels. It was officially introduced at the national level in November 2025. How does it work?