European Commission publishes communication on managing demographic change in Europe (eur-lex.europa.eu)

• EU population expected to peak around 2026 then decline steadily.
• Working-age population projected to decrease by 57.4 million by 2100.
• Labour shortages already at record levels, especially in STEM, ICT, care, and construction.
• Communication proposes four policy pillars: work-family balance, youth support, ageing support, and legal migration.
• Demographic change interacts with green and digital transitions, affecting emissions and care delivery.

"The European Commission has released a communication outlining a toolbox for managing demographic change in the EU, focusing on population ageing and shrinking working-age population. It proposes measures to reconcile work and family life, empower younger and older generations, and use legal migration to fill labour shortages. The report also highlights impacts on competitiveness, public budgets, and interactions with green and digital transitions. It calls for a coordinated whole-of-government approach."