The European Commission has recently presented the Green Paper on Ageing, launching a broad policy debate on the challenges and opportunities of Europe’s ageing society. In addition, a public consultation will run until 21 April 2021 to collect the public’s views on the impact of this demographic trend.
Even though the paper approaches ageing from a life-cycle perspective, the document highlights rural and remote areas as some of the most affected by this trend. Population in these areas face growing needs with regards to healthcare, mobility, education, connectivity and access to basic services.
“The fact that we are living longer, healthier lives than the generations before shows the success and strength of our social market economy. But it also presents new challenges, and offers opportunities which we need to consider. This green paper will launch a discussion on tapping the full potential of an ageing population – the drivers for innovation which it presents, and the policy responses required.”
Dubravka Suika, Vice-President for Democracy and Demography, European Commission
The Green Paper on Ageing is the first outcome of Commission’s report on the impact of demographic change. It launches a debate on the main issues related to ageing in Europe and will be followed by the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas that will also look into the question of depopulation.
Read more about the impact of demographic change in Europe.