site.btaSEECP Countries Face Up to Demographic Challenges

SEECP Countries Face Up to Demographic Challenges

Sofia, May 12 (BTA) - The UN forecast for Europe's population in 2015-2050 is unfavourable as it will decrease by nearly 15 per cent, and half of the countries of Southeastern Europe will be part of this, outgoing Labour and Social Policy Minister Ivailo Kalfin said at the opening of an international ministerial conference on "Facing the Demographic Challenges Experienced by the SEECP Participants" in Sofia.

Kalfin noted that the key demographic challenges to most countries of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) are a decrease and ageing of the 145 million-plus population and the labour force in the long run. These demographic trends can be attributed in part to labour migration, globalization, the development of new technology, and the opportunity and desire of many people to move to countries with higher living standards for better career development.

Demographic challenges affect many areas of the economy and society, and will have increasingly significant consequences for public finances and the functioning of the social systems, said Kalfin. He stressed the need of common long-term policies in the region.

Bulgaria wants to initiate cross-border demographic cooperation among the countries of Southeastern Europe. This country has adopted an Updated National Strategy for Demographic Development of the Population 2012-2030, which has been commended by international organizations such as the UN Population Fund.

The participants in the conference agreed that EU-funded joint cross-border projects could have a favourable impact on demographic processes in the region. Joint action in Southeastern Europe can be taken in areas including human capital, labour force mobility, youth employment and active ageing, according to experts.

The conference has brought together high-level representatives of the 13 SEECP Member States, the UN Population Fund, the UN Economic Commission for Europe, the International Labour Organization, the European Commission and the Regional Cooperation Council. The forum is part of the programme of Bulgaria's SEECP Chairmanship-in-Office (2015-2016).