Demography and Migration
Project co-funded by the European Commission for the integration of migrants in the European Union (Spain)
As Europe faces profound demographic challenges —ranging from the ageing of the EU population, shrinking of the labour forces, and the increasing long-term care needs to migration, integration and social cohesion—the need for accurate data and informed policy responses has never been greater.
Understanding population dynamics, demographic changes and migration is critical, because they impact various EU policy areas, potentially affecting political stability and the EU’s global standing. The JRC analyses these factors and their effects on policies, including those linked to growth, regional disparities, employment and health. We provide tools and insights to help Member States navigate these challenges effectively. Through collaboration and innovation, we support a future where all European communities can thrive.
of the EU, and the JRC is here to help you navigate it effectiveley.Demographic change is shaping the future
‘Atlas of Demography—timely, robust, comparable demographic data and knowledge at the finest level of geographical detail.’
The impact of demographic change is felt across towns, cities and villages throughout the EU. The European Commission offers a range of resources to help Member States understand and respond to demographic shifts in line with regional specificities and needs. Among them, the Atlas of Demography—an interactive knowledge management platform—provides unprecedented access to a vast array of data, including official statistics and projections from Eurostat, and new data at high spatial resolution produced by the JRC to help policymakers align policy areas such as health, labour, education, and regional planning with anticipated demographic trends
Demographic change is shaping the future of the EU, and the JRC is here to help you navigate it effectively. While many demographic challenges are shared across Member States, how they are addressed can vary significantly. In the context of an ageing European population for example, Eurostat estimates that the size of the working age population will decline from 65% to between 54% and 56% by 2070. Higher levels of migration could help to mitigate this decline and contribute significantly to sectors like health and agriculture, digital and green technology. Through its data gathering and analysis, the Atlas of Demography shows to what extent different levels of migration could mitigate the decline of the labour force in each EU Member State. Austria, Spain, Italy, Slovakia, and Finland have integrated insights from the Atlas of Demography into their regional planning processes, leading to more targeted and effective policy interventions.
The Knowledge Centre on Migration and Demography (KCMD) delivers independent scientific insights to enhance the European Commission’s approach to the opportunities and challenges posed by demographic change and migration. We synthesise existing knowledge, address gaps and promote the integration of science into policymaking. Our work encompasses both the internal and external dimensions of migration and demography. Follow us to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in population dynamics across Europe. The KCMD Newsletter is an excellent resource for keeping stakeholders informed about new contributions and developments from the JRC.
