European society is going grey and if current trends continue by 2030 there will 18 million fewer children and young people than today. Longer lifespans and lower fertility rates will have a major impact on the demographics of Europe.
The Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities of the European Commission issued a Green Paper entitled "Faced with demographic change, a new solidarity between the generations".
The document shows that from now until 2030 the EU needs an additional 20.8 million (6.8 per cent) people [1] of working age. In 2030 roughly two active people (15-65) will have to take care of one inactive person (65+).
These developments will affect our society in matters such as the way business operate, organisation of work, urban planning, design of flats, public transport, voting behaviour and the infrastructure of shopping possibilities.
Many of these issues are national responsibilities but all EU countries are affected. The Commission is opening a debate on how to tackle these issues could be addressed and what role the EU should play.
The Commission also organised a European Conference on 11-12 July 2005 in Brussels where it gathered experts, high-level policy makers, civil society, to discuss the follow-up on this Green paper.
The Commission’s document highlights the link between social policies such as affordable childcare, family friendly work patterns and people’s decisions to have children. However, the public health aspects of demographics are not mentioned. There is no reference to the growing rate of fertility and reproductive health problems that affect an increasing number of people. The impact of environmental pollutants such as chemicals and endocrine disruptors is a particular concern as is poor sexual health.
Although people are living longer, this benefit is unevenly spread throughout populations. Socio-economic status is still the key determinant of health including health status during life and premature death. Health inequalities, particularly when compounded across several generations can result in community groups that are socially excluded and unable to enter the workforce.
Please find below the EPHA response to the Commission’s consultation.
Other links:
OECD working paper on low fertility rates, facts and policy responses.
