EU set to induce new baby boom

The European commission is set to bolster Europe’s low birth rate by introducing measures to make it easier for women to have more children.

Brussels will deliver a “concrete working programme” aimed at tackling Europe’s demographic decline according to EU social affairs chief Vladimir Spidla.

Spidla, who has fathered two sons, wants to make it easier for women to have more children, without having to give up their careers.

Europe’s declining birth rate means that the EU’s future working population could be reduced by as many as 20 million people by 2030.

National capitals are concerned about the social and economic consequences of such a dramatic cut in Europe’s workforce.

Fewer babies could lead to a shortage of skilled workers which member states believe may impact on business competitiveness and affect future pension and health provisions.

And experts warn that immigration will not be sufficient to make up the population shortfall.

“We must increase the EU’s birth rate,” said Spidla during a conference in Vienna on the EU’s ‘demographic stakes’ on Sunday.

The latest figures on fertility support the commission and member states’ concerns. 

No EU country is close to the 2.1 children per woman, needed to maintain Europe’s population.

The EU average is 1.5 children per woman, with France and Ireland topping out at 1.9.

Germany, Poland, Hungary and the Baltic states all saw their populations decline in 2005.

But current research shows that Europe’s citizens want to have more children, but are put off by the high costs, including childcare and family friendly policies.

“[The commission] will propose in March a concrete programme of work to tackle these demographic trends,” said Spidla.

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