The EU is undergoing deep and lasting demographic changes. The population is ageing, birth rate is falling and rural areas are emptying. Meanwhile, major European cities are continuing to grow as people move to richer regions in search of work. While the pandemic may well have an impact, with people moving to rural areas, what can the EU do about these demographic imbalances? Parliament wants a Demographic Deal.

farming sector

employment (4406)

Tackling the EU's demographic challenges

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/3046166/N01-AFPS-210419-DEMO-EN.srt

she was living in her mother's small apartment

with her partner and their seven children. 

The biggest was putting food on the table,

I never thought about moving elsewhere."

Thanks to a charity that helps struggling families,

her partner found work in the building trade

and they started a new life in the countryside.

we can think about what we will do next month, you know?

We have a steady income. The mayor helps us a lot.

We have a vegetable garden, he brings food for the rabbits,

MEPs are calling for an EU-wide strategy.

people move because they want a better life.

to identify mechanisms that encourage people

to stay in the areas where they were born,

major demographic imbalances across the EU."

to move to or to stay in depopulating regions.