Impact of an ageing population

25.4.2013

Question for written answer E-004640-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Corina Creţu (S&D)

The European Union’s population is being affected by a gradual ageing process. According to Eurostat, citizens aged over 65 years represented 18% of the total population of 503.7 million in 2012.

This trend has an impact on economic growth, the labour market, the transfer of property, health, family composition, the purchase of residential property and migration.

An ageing population will increase the number of applicants for state pensions and social security, as well as the old-age dependency ratio. This trend will result in a substantial rise in state budget expenditure for healthcare services and pensions.

What alternative measures to raising the retirement age is the Commission considering to reduce the old-age dependency ratio, which has now increased from 21.1% in 1992 to 26.8% in 2012?

What recommendations can the Commission make to prevent taxes and duties being raised, which could discourage workers and companies looking to invest, and would lead to falling productivity and economic recession?

OJ C 35 E, 06/02/2014