European Parliament
President. –
Question No 46 by Lennart Sacrédeus 
Subject: The demographic challenge, families and work
In Sweden, the number of people written off sick has soared in recent years and there are also signs of a disturbing trend in other Member States. At the same time, the birth rate in Europe is at a record low. Over the next 50 years, therefore, the population in Germany, Italy and France, for example, will decrease dramatically. An ageing population creates a strain on the economy to provide pensions and a social safety net. The EU summit held in Stockholm in March 2001 identified the demographic challenge as one of the Union's priorities for the future.
What lessons can be drawn from this serious trend and what initiatives has the Commission taken to foster a more integrated view of family formation, childbirth, the demographic challenge, rising numbers of sick notes and sustainable pension schemes?

