Demographic change can pose a major challenge for the EU. Regions with a rapidly shrinking population are affected by a severe gap in the provision of social services (healthcare, cultural), physical (transport) and ICT connectivity, education and labour opportunities.

Depopulated regions are often low-income rural or post-industrial areas, with fewer job opportunities. The exodus of younger, skilled workers has further affected ageing, generation renewal and agricultural development. The economic crisis of 2008 led to young educated professionals from Southern and Eastern Europe moving to North-Western Europe. The Covid-19 crisis is likely to encourage this trend. Reduced economic activity and unemployment are expected to generate a new wave of migration by young people both within and between EU countries.

The European Parliament wants the demographic challenge to be a priority for the EU, alongside climate issues and the digital transition. A coordinated approach - integrating the principles of sustainability, greening and digitalisation across different EU policies - would also contribute to reversing negative demographic trends.

Demography in the EU

EP plenary session- Minimum income for a fair Europe: a right for citizens

Plenary session week 37 2016 in Strasbourg - Minimum income schemes in the EU

Extracts from the signing ceremony by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Mikuláš BEK, Czech Minister for European Affairs on behalf of the Czech Presidency of the Council

Lex Signing ceremony: extracts from the signing ceremony by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Mikuláš BEK, Czech Minister for European Affairs on behalf of the Czech Presidency of the Council

In a wider economic climate of rising prices, but recognising member state traditions of wage-setting and collective bargaining, the EU directive on adequate minimum wages is set to be a major milestone in European social policy. Under the new rules, national minimum wages would have to enable workers to lead a decent life, taking into account the cost of living and wider pay levels. To facilitate an adequacy assessment of existing statutory minimum wages, EU countries may establish a basket of goods and services at real prices, or set it at 60% of the gross median wage and 50% of the gross average wage. Closing statements by Dennis RADTKE (EPP, DE) and Agnes JONGERIUS (S&D, NL), Rapporteurs, Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs.

Adequate minimum wages in the European Union: closing statements by Dennis RADTKE (EPP, DE) and Agnes JONGERIUS (S&D, NL), Rapporteurs

Following the last successful trilogue on the Directive "Adequate minimum wages in the EU", the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs votes on the provisional agreement that was reached, aiming to tackle in-work poverty and raise standards of living, foster collective bargaining, and enhance workers' rights to minimum wage protection. Votes and statements by Dennis RADTKE (EPP, DE) and Agnes JONGERIUS (S&D, NL), Rapporteurs.

Adequate minimum wages in the European Union: extracts from the votes and statements by Dennis RADTKE (EPP, DE) and Agnes JONGERIUS (S&D, NL), Rapporteurs

Dennis RADTKE (EPP, DE) and Agnes JONGERIUS (S&D, NL), rapporteurs on the Minimum wage trialogue deal, hold a press conference in the European Parliament, in Strasbourg.

Press conference by Dennis RADTKE (EPP, DE) and Agnes JONGERIUS (S&D, NL), co-Rapporteurs on the Minimum wage trilogue deal

Debate on the Minimum income schemes in the EU, during the EP plenary session (12-15/09/2016) in Strasbourg. Statements by Thomas H&Auml;NDEL (GUE/NGL, DE), Thomas MANN (EPP, DE), Sergio GUTI&Eacute;RREZ PRIETO (S&amp;D, ES), Arne GERICKE (ECR, DE), Enrique CALVET CHAMBOM (ALDE, ES), Tania GONZ&Aacute;LEZ PE&Ntilde;AS (GUE/NGL, ES), Jo&euml;lle M&Eacute;LIN (ENF, FR), Marianne THYSSEN, Member of the EC in charge of Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility.

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