The Member States’ Ministers for European Affairs welcomed the Commission’s communication of 11 October on how to respond to the demographic challenges facing the EU as a result of an ageing population, a European source reported on Tuesday 24 October (see EUROPE 13269/5).
While each country has its own specific problems, most stressed the importance of tackling this issue and preserving the complementarity between the European and national levels.
While legal labour migration is an important avenue proposed in the Commission’s communication, it has not given rise to tense debate between the Member States, some of whom are in favour, albeit in a controlled manner.
Hungary, which will hold the Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2024, was very positive about this communication and will make it an important theme of its Presidency.
The Spanish Presidency of the EU Council has not yet said how it will take the dossier forward, but could try to have conclusions adopted by the end of the year. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)