Measures to raise birth rates in the European Union

Subject: Measures to raise birth rates in the European Union

According to Eurostat data for last year, the fertility rate for women in the EU Member States has been steadily decreasing over the last few decades. This is evidenced by a fall in the number of births in the current Member States from no less than 16.3 million in 1970 to 12.8 million in 1985, 10.6 million in 2000 and a mere 5.1 million in 2015. In 2015, the average birth rate in the Member States was 1.58 per woman, compared to the optimal replacement rate for a developed country of 2.1. This dramatic slump in the number of births is likely to have a major impact on the future social and economic development of the Union. While the situation varies from one Member State to another, most of them are confronted with the problem, which can be principally attributed to an unsatisfactory work-life balance. Although responsibility for addressing the problem rests primarily with the Member States, a number of measures can still be prescribed by the EU institutions.

In view of this, what recommendations will the Commission make to Member States with a view to encouraging an increase in birth rates?

Answer given by Ms Thyssen on behalf of the European Commission

(17 September 2018)

The Commission acknowledges that there has been a decline in fertility rates in almost all Member States. The European population is also ageing and the working-age population decreasing.

Demographic change poses a serious sustainability challenge, which demands an appropriate policy response in a wide range of areas including work-life balance. As shown in the Employment and Social Developments report 2015, high birth rates are associated with good conditions for mothers to pursue their careers, as well as with high female employment (1).

Against this backdrop, the Commission’s Work Life Balance initiative aims at tackling the underrepresentation of women in the labour market by promoting a more equal sharing of caring responsibilities between men and women.

The initiative includes a proposal for a directive on Work Life Balance for working parents and carer s (2) introducing new rights to paternity and carer’s leave, and strengthening existing rights to parental leave and flexible working arrangements.

The initiative also includes a set of complementary non-legislative measures (3) focusing on improving the design and gender- balanced take-up of leaves, improving quality, affordability and accessibility to formal care services and addressing economic disincentives to work.

⋅1∙ http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=738&langId=en&pubId=7859&furtherPubs=yes

⋅2∙ https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1494929657775&uri=CELEX:52017PC0253

⋅3∙ https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1494930128433&uri=CELEX:52017DC0252