The group of high-level government experts established by the European Commission to advise on demographic ageing met for the first time in Brussels on 11 June. In conformity with the recommendations of the 2005 Green Paper on demography, the purpose of the group is to guide and advise the Executive on “the formulation of the necessary policies to adjust to the new situation of the ageing of the population and the consequent reduction of manpower in Europe”. Composed of representatives of the member states and some independent experts, the Group is chaired by Mrs. Eleonora Hostasch, former Austrian Minister for Social Affairs. According to the EU Commissioner for Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Vladimir Spidla, “Europe has no reason to fear the ageing of its population so long as it prepares in advance: active ageing – added the Commissioner – impacts on EU social systems and its economy, but at the same time represents new openings for services and products dedicated to a constantly growing market”. During its first meeting the Group discussed issues relating to policies for the family and priorities in preparation for the Demographic Forum due to be held by the end of next year.
