População da Europa por idade

The impact of demographic change within the European Union is likely to be of major significance in the coming decades. Consistently low birth rates and higher life expectancy will transform the structure of the European Union’s age pyramid; probably the most important change will be the marked transition towards a much older population and this trend is already apparent in many Member States. The share of older persons in the total of the European Union will increase from 2010 onwards, as the post-war baby-boom generation reaches retirement. These demographic trends have economic and social consequences, and were addressed by a European Commission communication ‘towards a Europe for all ages - promoting prosperity and intergenerational solidarity’, which promoted active ageing and equal opportunities. The Lisbon Strategy pays particular attention to the demographic challenges that face the Union in relation to policies for economic growth and social cohesion.