Tackling Europe's falling birth rate

From 2010, there will be more Europeans in their 60s than in their 20s. In response to a sharp decline in the birth rate across the EU, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities is encouraging initiatives in several Member States to tackle the problem at grass roots level. In 2003, the Europe-wide birth rate stood at 1.5 children per female. Unless the ratio rises to 1.7, experts confirm that Europe will find it increasingly difficult to remain competitive and, equally alarming, to finance pensions. Older people in retirement should not be considered a burden. On the contrary, they are more and more active and have a high purchasing power. They are becoming a population that has to be taken seriously into account. The report also shows an interesting experience for older people in Germany. A group of 15 seniors from Münster have launched their own television programme. They cover subjects such as are culture, news and entertainment addressed to an audience over 50.

European Commission | February 22, 2008

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