EU Demographic Indicators: Situation, Trends And Potential Challenges

The European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) published on 20 March 2015 a report on the European Union's demographic situation in 2013.

According to this report, Europe's share of the global population was declining and its population was ageing. Unemployment was still high, although rates varied between Member States, as well as within them. Migrants represented 7% of the European population and accounted for around 7% of total employment. Differences in the distribution of income were observed, although they were still lower than in many other parts of the world. Almost a quarter of Europeans faced the risk of poverty or social exclusion, a risk which had a strong geographical dimension and varies among social groups.

These trends present an opportunity for debate on concepts such as 'working age', and the adoption of well‐designed comprehensive policies that will strengthen social cohesion and promote solidarity between generations.

Written by Angelos Delivorias and Giulio Sabbati.