Dear Prime Minister Mitsotakis,

Dear Ministers,

Dear representatives from the research community and market participants,

Dear guests,

Thank you for inviting me to speak at todays conference.

Congratulations on your Demographic 2025 event that brings together stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities for Greeces economy and society.

Demography is a major challenge for Europe and beyond. A healthy demographic development is crucial for the sustainability and competitiveness of our societies.

Even if we could reverse the demographic decline now, effects would only be seen in several decades, for example, in the labor market.

There are two main demographic trends: longer lives and lower birth rates. At the European Commission, we have studied these trends and presented recommendations.

Regarding longer lives: increased longevity is positive but requires more resources for long-term care. Therefore, we have presented a European Care Strategy.

Regarding the fertility gap: we must ensure people can have the children they want. Quality childcare is important so that career and family life can coexist.

We must also look at the labor market and invest in skills development to counter labor shortages. This is why we proposed the Union of Skills.

Finally, brain drain is an issue. The Rebrain Greece initiative, connecting talents with companies, deserves praise.

All this shows the need for coordinated action like your event today. I wish you a successful conference.

Thank you.