24/11/2008: The Second Demography Report 'Meeting social needs in an ageing society' was published on 21 November 2008 by the European Commission. The report was presented at the European Demography Forum on 24 and 25 November 2008 in Brussels. More than 440 policy-makers and actors in this field attended this.The opening session of the European Demography Forum was chaired by the Greek MEP Marie Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou. Mrs Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou, Chairwoman of the EP's Intergroup on Family and Protection of Childhood, was invited by the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, and the French Minister for Employment, Xavier Bertrand.
The speakers focused on the latest demographical evolutions which have become a true challenge for Europe. These evolutions will lead to a decrease of the labour force – and a tremendous increase of the population over 60 years old by 2014 – but will also have a great economical and social impact on all Member States. The intervening parties emphasised the various propositions regarding upholding the working population within the labour market, the voluntary work by pre-pension workers, the improvement of training and working conditions, the integration of immigrants and particularly the support towards families, by presenting to European citizens the necessary guaranties in order for them to be able to have their aspiring number of children. The progress made in terms of maternity and paternity leave, the guarantee of quality education, the improvement of social services, especially those regarding child care but also care for the elderly, are regarded as essential and common objectives to all Member States. To this end, Member States should exchange good practices in these areas. The survival of the economic systems, flexibility in work relations to the advantage of workers, and sustainable growth, secure investments in human dynamic and require efficient answers to approximate demographical previsions.The Second Demography Report corrects statistics and previsions of the year 2004. It highlights the actions taken by Member States in order to meet families' needs by updating European policies and promoting care opportunities for elderly people. During the discussion and concluding session, Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou had the opportunity to underline the EU's evolution towards the adoption of family-friendly policies. The Greek MEP requested an upgrading of the European Alliance for Families, which should become a synchronisation platform for defined actions in the fields of intergenerational solidarity, equal opportunities, and the guarantee of future perspectives for youngsters. The objectives set by the Lisbon Strategy will then be reached and Europe will maintain its global partner position.
For further information:
Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP
Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu
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