14 July 2026 12:18 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission says demography poses challenges and opportunities

Key points

Demographic change poses challenges but can be turned into opportunities
Tools include housing, managed migration, intergenerational fairness, and regional policy

TL;DR

Demographic change poses difficult challenges but can be turned into opportunities, says the Commission.
The Commission lists tools: housing, well-managed migration, intergenerational fairness, and regional policy.
The Commission urges keeping demography high on the policy agenda and cites the JRC report and stakeholder data.

Original text

European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Closing speech by Commissioner Šuica at the Launch of the 3rd Demography Report Brussels, 14 July 2026 Ladies and gentlemen, Let me thank all of you for the excellent event today. We couldn't have done it without all of you, contributing with your insight and expertise. Because demography affects all of us. It represents the story of our lives. And so, it requires everyone's input – based on science and on the lived experience of all our communities, represented here today. --- Let me share some takeaways with you. First, I think it is important to state clearly: Demographic change poses difficult challenges, but we are acting on these important issues, and it is not too late to turn these challenges into opportunities. We still have room to manoeuvre, crafting policy that empowers people and addresses these challenges. Especially when we consider the importance of regional and cohesion policy to address these issues, as my colleague, Executive Vice-President Fitto, clearly highlighted. --- Second, this is not an exclusively European challenge. We see fertility rates declining across the world. This year, India fell below the replacement rate. I think this offers opportunities because we can learn from each other. We are not facing these challenges alone. --- Third, we have the tools to face these challenges. We heard so many solutions today. 1 . On housing. 2 . On well managed migration. 3 . On intergenerational fairness. 4 . On regional policy. This report is clear: we do have the tools to act . This is especially important because we must not let ourselves be dragged down into apathy or despair – we can do this. --- I am especially happy to see that our community is staying optimistic. This isn't easy. News framing is usually negative on demography. But the facts are clear: As I look around this room, I see a great deal of expertise. From the JRC, who put together this excellent report. From stakeholders, who are providing us with crucial data on the challenges and solutions that hold real potential for mainstreaming. And from policymakers at all levels of governance that are working hard to implement solutions that work in their communities. We have the tools and the skills to manage these challenges. To succeed, we must keep demography high on the agenda. Especially because it is a policy area that touches us all very personally. As a mother and a grandmother, I know this well. By keeping the facts on our side, by listening to personal stories and the reading the results of policy experiments, we can make sure that our policy responds to people's real needs. The way forward will be hard work. But we are ready to continue to contribute to finding real solutions. Looking to our future. But acting now, in the present. Thank you. SPEECH/26/1618 Press contacts: Guillaume MERCIER (+32 2 29 80564) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email

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