Managing the Demographic Deficit

Thursday 14 March 2002, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow

Managing the Demographic Deficit will explore some of issues that affect and shape migratory patterns and their subsequent effect on society in a future European polity.

Demographic figures indicate that the population of Western Europe is set to fall by an estimated 64 million by 2050 with fewer young and more elderly people. Those same figures also indicate that immigration and an older workforce could be the key to Europe's economic stability in the future.

Such changes pose an number of questions for the working future of Europe, including:

• How should immigration policies change to reflect this need?
• What measures should national governments and European institutions take to ensure that citizens of Europe are educated about the 'realities' of immigration?
• Is a selective system of immigration a fair criterion for admittance to the European Union?
• What action is needed nationally and at a European level to ensure older people stay economically active longer?
• How can governments, European institutions and employers, tackle out-dated attitudes towards age and work?

Chaired by Magnus Magnusson, the panel comprised of:

• Elspeth Attwooll, MEP
• John Anderson, Head of International Banking, Clydesdale Bank (tbc)
• Eleanore Kofman, Professor of International Studies, Nottingham Trent University
• Asad Rehman, Religious & Ethnic Minorities Officer, Amnesty International

Key Points from the Discussion on the Demographic Deficit:

• Europe is facing a demographic deficit with an ageing population and a reducing labour force resulting in a real skills shortage. Although this could be partly addressed by raising the retirement age and encouraging more people into work, the most viable solution to the problem is to increase immigration of people from countries outside Europe.
• Large-scale immigration will increase the diversity of people in Europe and must be accompanied by a citizenship framework with strong policies to promote and encourage equality for nationals, migrants and refugees.
• Given the need to keep skilled labour in some developing countries, Europe should not just allow older people on high salary level and a great deal of experience, but bring in younger people to provide them with those things.
• Politicians, media and civil society have a responsibility to create and direct the agenda on the migration debate based on real facts rather than merely follow public opinion.

To comment on the issues raised or to share your thoughts and ideas on the issues, join our on-line discussion forum.

For further details of Europe & its Citizens - the Future and how to participate, contact Ashika Thanki, the Institute's Development Director at ashika@citizen.org.uk.

Special thanks to Adamson BSMG Worldwide, Accenture, the British Academy, the European Parliament, Glasgow City Council, Pinsent Curtis Biddle, and the Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs Office for their support of Europe & its Citizens - the Future.

Europe & its Citizens - the Future provided a series of discussion forums for people to express their views and opinions, whatever they are, on the issues highlighted. Europe & its Citizens - the Future was a strictly non-partisan project and which did not wish to take a stand on the pro/anti debate around the EU. The views of the participants were, of course, their own and do not represent the view of the Institute for Citizenship or their sponsors.