Research Project D05

Study on the impact of future demographic trends in Europe

Project Manager: Marek Kupiszewski

The project comprises consultancy prepared on the request of the European Population Committee (CAHP) of the Council of Europe.

Demographic change is contemporarily one of the key policy issues, as it influences many areas of social and economic life. Of a special relevance are problems related to population ageing (increase of the share of the elderly in the population). Ageing, in the contemporary world being an immanent feature of the developed societies, including Europe, is a process that will no doubt continue in the future. Another demographic issue of a growing importance relevant for policymaking is international migration. Both these processes have a significant impact on labour markets, economic growth and social cohesion (considering primarily the social inequalities), as well as on many other aspects of life.

The study has therefore two aims: (1) to provide an overview of future demographic trends in Europe for 2005-2050, and (2) to provide a policy-relevant analysis and interpretation of these trends.

The analysis focuses on the impact of future demographic trends on the social domains that are of interest from the point of view of the European Population Committee, in particular on education, labour market, (health-) care and social protection. The whole study is policy-oriented, aiming at providing recommendations of feasible policy responses to the demographic change. A thorough analysis of the possible policy outcomes is also offered, allowing for a detailed evaluation of the proposed solutions. In geographic terms, the study covers 42 member states of the Council of Europe.

The final project report is available from the CoE website.