SEDEC Commission Members have today adopted ECR Member Ádám Karácsony's opinion on demographic change. The opinion's key messages include calls for better recognition of family-friendly policies, provision of financial support, and better involvement of local and regional authorities in providing help for European families. 

Mr Karácsony, Vice-President of the County Council of Pest County, underlined the importance of urgently addressing the demographic transition: "can Europe continue to lead the global economy, reinforce its position, and emerge as a more competitive and influential actor on the world stage when engaging with its largest economic partners? Absolutely, but we must start at the basics – the first step in this mission is that we confront the demographic transitions within our regions and Member States realistically, and with the right determination" – he stressed. 

He welcomed the recently published European Commission communication document titled "Demographic change in Europe: a toolbox for action", which emphasizes the need for policies to encourage higher birth rates, support families, and improve access to education and employment opportunities in regions and rural areas. The communication document was generally viewed as a significant step towards the European-level recognition of family-friendly policies' importance.

In his speech, Mr Karácsony called for collective action to address the dangers of demographic decline: "our time has come: we need to seize this moment and call on all renewing EU institutions to recognise and address this third transition besides green and digital, because without citizens there is no sustainable future, and without citizens there is no digital transition"- he concluded. 

Mr Karácsony's opinion is scheduled for final adoption during the CoR Plenary in October 2024.