Demographic catastrophe facing European economy and culture
7.9.2012
Question for written answer E-007954/2012
to the Commission
Rule 117
Mitro Repo (S&D)
By 2060, every third European will be over 65 years old. In almost all European countries, the birth rate is below the replacement level. The demographic change taking place is a consequence of 40 years of low natality.
Ageing Europe is losing its economic and cultural status. Ageing increases public expenditure at the same time as the number of tax payers is decreasing. This poses challenges to European society as its labour force, pension systems and healthcare services have to adapt to new needs and a new economic reality. Europe has not yet awakened to the economic, social and cultural sustainability gap that follows from this.
In recent years, countries outside Europe have become aware of the catastrophic impact that changes in the population age structure can have on the economy and on society. In response, they have begun to introduce qualitatively new and radical political measures.
The year 2012 is the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. In an attempt to provide support to local and regional authorities in their efforts to manage demographic challenges, the Committee of the Regions has drawn up a study entitled ‘Active ageing: local and regional solutions’. In addition, the Commission has suggested a comprehensive approach to promote ‘active ageing’ in its 2005 Green Paper entitled ‘Confronting demographic change: a new solidarity between the generations’.
Based on the above:
- 1.Is the Commission considering a green paper on a sustainable ageing policy?
- 2.Is the Commission planning a green paper, or any other measures, to address the need to increase the birth rate in Europe?
- 3.Is the Commission considering strategies, action plans and/or special programmes to mitigate the demographic catastrophe facing Europe’s economy and culture?
OJ C 308 E, 23/10/2013