Introduction by Commissioner Vladimír Špidla to the four essays written in response to the communication on The Demographic Future of Europe

With its Communication on The Demographic Future of Europe—From Challenge to Opportunity adopted in October 2006 (COM 2006/571) the European Commission set a very positive tone. We underlined that demographic ageing is the inevitable consequence of developments that are fundamentally positive, in particular increased life expectancy and more choice over whether and when to have children. And we insisted on the need to shift the focus from challenges to opportunities. This document is meant to be a framework for action and an expression of confidence in our ability to tackle the demographic challenge. I welcome the initiative of Vienna Institute for Demography to invite four renowned experts to present, in this 2007 Vienna Yearbook of Population Research, their views on the Commission’s Communication on Europe’s demographic future. I am well aware that this Communication is not the final word on the fundamental issues raised in it and there is much scope for advancing our knowledge and understanding of the drivers of demographic change and the scope for policy intervention. Policy makers cannot wait, though, until all the academic arguments have been settled. In general, action needs to be taken on the basis of incomplete information at the risk of making mistakes—but doing nothing might be an even greater mistake! Our aim with the Communication was to make sure that policy makers across the EU are fully aware of the fact that we have a relatively short window of opportunity to take action. Although the population of working age is beginning to decline, we can still expect rising employment over the next ten years, thanks