Demography Report 2008: Meeting Social Needs in an Ageing Society

Summary:

In October 2006, the Commission presented its views on the demographic challenges the EU faces and on opportunities for tackling them in the communication “The demographic future of Europe —from challenge to opportunity”. The communication expressed confidence in Europe’s ability to adapt to demographic change and notably population ageing, but also stressed the need to act in five key areas:

• Better support for families;
• Promoting employment;
• Reforms to raise productivity and economic performance;
• Immigration and integration of migrants;
• Sustainable public finances.

The Communication also announced that every two years, the Commission would hold a European Forum on Demography. The first Forum took place on 30-31 October 2006, the second on 24-25 November 2008. The fora are an occasion for taking stock of the latest demographic developments and reviewing how policies are responding to demographic change.

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