Population

If demography is destiny, then it appears that destiny for some countries in Europe and around the world is bleak. The demographic transition in many countries includes a rapidly ageing population, the disruptive potential of unbalanced migration, increasing economic, social and healthcare burdens and a weaker diplomatic and competitive position on the world stage.

Recent figures show that the European Union has 21 of the 25 lowest-fertility countries in the world. As a result, by 2050, one in three Europeans will be more than 65 years old, up from one in six in 2000. In Japan the number of 65 year olds now accounts for almost 21% of the population.

Concerns over these developments have caused policy makers to take note and begin serious consideration of policy implications and responses. Informed and responsible policy making could benefit from understanding the policy implications of demographic research.

RAND Europe has formed an extensive body of research examining the problem and providing solutions to inform the policy debate. RAND Europe's research and analysis in this area cover core facets including:

• The causes and consequences of demographic developments
• Policy responses to the challenges of population ageing to welfare state reform
• The socio-economic impact of migration and conditions for sustainable migration and ethnic differentiation
• The contribution of Assisted Reproductive Technology to increasing fertility rates
• Comparative international research on population policies

Migration

Since its inception, RAND Europe has explored the links between migration, employment and their social and economic impacts in the home and host countries. As globalisation spreads, it is becoming increasingly crucial to consider these issues.

Recently, RAND Europe has also started looking into the implications that climate change carries for migration movements across the world. In fact, this area has been identified as one of the main concerns in relation to climate change, and a likely significant issue for policymakers in the future.