Press Release: Preparing for EU’s ageing population at heart of new government expert group

A high level group of government experts will meet on 11 June 2007 for the first time in Brussels to discuss demography issues. The group - set up by the Commission following requests from Member States responding to the 2005 Green Paper on demography (see IP/05/322) - will support the Commission in developing policies adapted to the new reality of Europe's ageing population and shrinking workforce. The group will also act as a platform for Member States to exchange experiences and good practice in areas like active ageing, family policy, care for the elderly dependent and migration. Made up of representatives from all Member States, as well as a small number of independent experts, the group will be headed by the former Austrian Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Leonora Hostasch.