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Policy Briefs provide a synthesis of key research findings by leading European experts on policy-relevant population issues.
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  • 27/02/2013
    Broken Arms
    Demographic change is a shaper of both security risks and security capacities. / Recruitment requirements will remain at a high level due to the complexity of international military missions and new technology, while population ageing will make it increasingly difficult to recruit enough qualified personnel./ Policies focusing on the improvement of employment conditions and the expansion of the recruitable population seem to be most promising. / An open exchange about best practices among European countries could help identify the most effective combination of policies.
  • Resistance against an increase in the retirement age is often based on myths that do not stand up to scientific evidence. / The economic burden of population ageing is not a demographic destiny, but depends on the productivity of tomorrow’s workforce. / Policies should promote information campaigns, life-long learning activities, and measures to support a comprehensive work-education-life balance.
  • Restrictive immigration policies are ineffective in reducing migration inflows./ Efficient migration policies include quotas that attract foreigners with specific 
skills and knowledge, as well as support for the social inclusion of migrants and 
their families. / Policies should promote transnational contacts and opportunities for civic 
engagement to encourage target migrants. / Specific educational measures are needed, not only as an instrument for the inclusion of children of immigrants, but also for the promotion of social cohesion.
  • European countries have redoubled their efforts to support families. However, divergent birth rate trends suggest that no “magic formula” has been found. / A common characteristic among countries with stable or even increasing birth rates is a high degree of female labour force participation. / More could be done to slow down the “Rush-hour of Life”, the period when starting a family overlaps with career development. / Policies might include on-the-job training programmes following parental leave to facilitate the return to the labour market.
  • Even a new baby-boom and high migration cannot prevent Europe from population ageing over the next decades. / Population ageing and shrinking labour force will affect the productivity of the economy if no further reforms are undertaken. / These reforms should include a redistribution of work over the life-course which will also require a new system of social protection.
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