10/10/2024 Migration, International Protection and Economic Co-operation
According to the Committee on Migration, demographic ageing in Europe and the worrying reduction in the youth and working age population will have profound implications, not only for individuals, but also for governments and business, impacting in particular health and social care systems, labour markets, public finances and pension entitlements.
The report by Kate Osamor (United Kingdom, SOC), adopted by the committee on 2 October, states that, in the timespan of 50 years, the old-age dependency ratio is projected to more than double, reaching 56.7 per cent by 2050 in the EU, compared to 25.9 per cent in 2001.
The committee therefore underlined the need for increasing support for elderly people, and for appropriate adjustments in terms of health care, urban planning, housing and transport, to enable them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. It called on member states to “develop effective policies to ensure the well-being and quality of life for the elderly population” and to meet their care needs, while adopting positive action to “support an increase in birthrates”.
In parallel to that, the committee proposed that member states improve their policies “promoting migrants’ general integration and community cohesion”. These comprehensive, gender-responsive integration policies range from the regularisation of informal and undocumented migrant workers to the promotion of direct and targeted aid in local communities and job training, the adopted draft resolution underlines.
“Immigration can be one means through which Europe could fulfil its current and future labour shortages, particularly in care provision occupations,” the parliamentarians said.
In order to lead to more sustainable integration and bring migrants, refugees and the local community together, the committee also advocates the implementation of programmes aimed at building bridges between various communities, by relying on civil society organisations and strengthening their capacities.