Mastering Demographic Change in Europe – 8 European Academies’ Statement. Introduction

Abstract

In order to demonstrate how important is the statement agreed by eight academies of science main features of the document are presented. They refer to the way demographic change in Europe is described and interpreted, policy challenges defined, and to recommendations formulated
towards adequate policy reactions. Some additional information on population change in Europe is provided to justify a call for a constructive policy response. Furthermore, different
approaches to low fertility in the statement and relevant reports by the European Commission is discussed. By referring to the demographic situation in Poland and other countries of the Central-Eastern Europe, it is explained why demographic renewal and family policy, included in the policy recommendations by the Commission’s reports, are important to master demographic change in these countries.