The proportion of Europeans steadily declines compared to the world population, says the resolution adopted at the General Assembly of the Centrist Democrat International, proposed by Fidesz and the Slovenian Democratic Party. The document highlights the importance of the traditional family model and emphasizes that democratic considerations should be mainstreamed in all EU policies while recognizes that family policy should remain a national competence.
On 29 October, the General Assembly of Centrist Democrat International adopted the following resolution:
Resolution on the need for a new demographic strategy for Europe
Proposed by Fidesz and the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS)
Having regard the Declaration of the IVth Demographic Summit held in Budapest (Hungary) on 23rd September 2021;
Whereas
- the proportion of Europeans steadily declines compared to the world population;
- the population of the current EU-27 made up about 12% of the world’s population in 1960, but is down to about 6% today and is projected to fall to below 4% by 2070;
- the European population is rapidly aging due to demographic decline and by 2020 the proportion of citizens over the age of 65 has risen to 21%, while that of those under the age of 15 has fallen to 15%;
- as a result of this population decline, the influence, competitiveness, economic strength and the room for manoeuvre of the aging Europe are deteriorating in this new international order.
IDC-CDI:
- Raises concerns about the fact that the European continent faces a serious demographic crisis which is one of the most pressing current challenges in this region.
- Emphasizes that the rapidly aging of the European population poses a significant challenge to the sustainable development of our societies and our economic growth that requires a skilled workforce.
- Calls for particular attention to be given to the situation in rural and postindustrial areas, where the demographic trends may lead to depopulation which poses a long-term risk for their citizens.
- Emphasizes the existence of numerous solutions underpinning the traditional concept of family to address the demographic decline of European countries; these include supporting families, facilitating the birth of children that Europeans want to have, capitalizing internal resources and strengthening existing communities.
- Expresses its deepest conviction that family policies are, and should remain, a national competence.
- Calls attention to the fact that migration should not be seen as the main tool to tackle demographic challenges.
- Calls for mainstreaming demographic considerations in all EU policies and for introducing mechanisms to offset their adverse demographic effects.
