EPP Leaders’ Retreat

Demographic Renewal: Europe’s Responsibility to Future and Older Generations Alike

Over the past seventy years, Europe has built one of the most successful political and economic models in history. Peace, integration and prosperity have transformed our continent and improved the lives of millions. Today, however, Europe faces a profound demographic challenge that affects every generation: population ageing, depopulation and persistently low birth rates are reshaping our societies and testing the sustainability of our social model.

Across all EU Member States, fertility rates are well below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. With an average of around 1.38, Europe is ageing rapidly, while the number of young people entering the workforce continues to decline. These trends place growing pressure on pension systems, healthcare services and labour markets—areas of vital importance to Europe’s senior citizens.

Demography is therefore not a marginal issue. It is a strategic question that directly concerns Europe’s economic strength, social cohesion and ability to protect its citizens and values in an increasingly competitive world.

Europe’s Third Great Transition

Alongside the green and digital transitions, demographic change represents Europe’s third great transition. It will shape long-term growth, productivity and solidarity between generations.

Demographic renewal cannot be reduced to financial incentives alone. The decision to have children depends just as much on social norms, housing conditions, work–life balance and the availability of childcare and education. Affordable housing, full-day schooling and family-friendly communities are essential if younger generations are to build stable lives and families.

At the same time, demographic renewal must include the creation of a genuine longevity society—one that values longer lives as an asset, not a burden. Seniors are not only beneficiaries of solidarity; they are also contributors to social cohesion, knowledge transfer and community life.

Rooted in Christian democracy, humanism and solidarity, the European People’s Party (EPP) sees demographic renewal as both an economic necessity and a civilisational responsibility. A society that does not renew itself—biologically, socially and culturally—cannot remain confident or free.

Towards a European Demography Strategy

The EPP therefore calls for a European Demography Strategy, fully integrated into EU economic governance, cohesion policy and long-term budgetary planning. Demographic considerations should become a standard part of European decision-making, supported by regular reporting to EU leaders on the state of Europe’s demography.

While family policy remains primarily a national responsibility, European coordination is essential. Demographic trends do not stop at national borders, and shared challenges require shared strategic direction.

Supporting Families and Removing Barriers

Demographic renewal depends on sustained investment in children, parents and families of all sizes. Particular attention should be paid to families with two, three or more children, ensuring that housing, tax and social systems do not discourage those who wish to grow their families.

The EPP supports initiatives such as:

• A European Child Investment Benchmark to prioritise early childhood, education and family support
• Family-friendly cities and regions, recognised through a voluntary European label
• Innovative tools such as a European Large Families Card, facilitating recognition and benefits across borders
• Measures to help young people access affordable housing and purchase a first home

These policies are essential not only for demographic renewal, but also for fairness between generations.

Involving All Generations

Demographic renewal is not only about births; it is about mobilising Europe’s full human capital.

Older citizens who wish to remain active should be supported through lifelong learning, flexible work arrangements and age-friendly workplaces. Active and healthy ageing strengthens intergenerational solidarity and helps sustain Europe’s economic and social systems.

For younger people, better education-to-work pathways—such as vocational training and apprenticeships—can reduce uncertainty and delays in family formation.

Longer lives must go hand in hand with productivity, innovation and new technologies, enabling Europe to maintain prosperity with a smaller but more skilled workforce.

Territorial Cohesion and the Right to Stay

Demographic resilience also depends on balanced territorial development. Many regions face depopulation, brain drain and ageing populations. Cohesion policy plays a crucial role in allowing people—especially young Europeans—to build their lives in their home regions if they choose to do so.

The EPP reaffirms the importance of the “right to stay” as a core principle of European cohesion, calling for targeted support for rural areas, islands and outermost regions in the next EU budget (2028–2034).

Talent, Mobility and Responsible Immigration

Europe must also attract talent from abroad and encourage Europeans living outside the EU to return. A proposed “Return to Europe” initiative would help skilled Europeans come back, build their futures and raise families in Europe.

Well-managed immigration can contribute to economic vitality, but it cannot replace Europe’s own demographic renewal. It must be accompanied by firm rules, effective integration and respect for European values.

A Question of Europe’s Confidence

Demographic renewal is not only a matter of policies and budgets. It is about shaping a social and cultural environment that values families, children, seniors and solidarity between generations.

For the European Seniors’ Union, this debate is central. It concerns the sustainability of pensions and healthcare, the dignity of older age, and the kind of Europe we leave to future generations.

Demographic renewal is ultimately a question of Europe’s confidence in its own future—and a shared responsibility across all ages.