European Union News - Social Affairs

According to a report published by the European Commission, the population of the EU is projected to reach 517 million in 2060. The report underlines that this issue will have economic consequences, such as for example that the total number of workers is projected to decline by 15.7 million over the forecast horizon to 195.6 million in 2060. In general, the extent and speed of ageing depend on future life expectancy, fertility and migration. Life expectancy at birth is projected to increase according to the report.

The European Commission adopted its first 'health check', a biannual overview on the functioning of the Schengen area, which shows that, among other findings, the pressure at the Schengen external borders is focused on a limited number of hot spots, in particular the Eastern Mediterranean route via Turkey to Greece. The report is accompanied by guidelines which seek to ensure a coherent interpretation and implementation of the selected issues.

The Erasmus Programme registered an 8.5% increase in the 2010-11 academic year – a new record , compared to the previous year. In addition, the three most popular destinations for students in 2010-11 were Spain, France and the United Kingdom. Spain also sent the largest number of students abroad, followed by France and Germany.

The European Commission presented a new strategy to give children the digital skills and tools they need to benefit fully and safely from the digital world. According to Neelie Kroes, European Commission Vice President, this initiative brings every type of player together so that children get more of the quality content, services and protection they need to enjoy a positive experience online.

EU Justice Ministers reached a partial general approach on a directive on criminal sanctions for insider dealing and market manipulation, the so called "market abuse directive". The directive would create an obligation for Member States to ensure that these conducts are punishable as criminal offences. They also agreed that that awareness of the rights of victims needs to be raised.

The EMCDDA–Europol 2011 annual report on new psychoactive substances showed that a total of 49 new psychoactive substances were officially notified for the first time in 2011 via the EU early-warning system (EWS). The report highlights the increasing number and diversity of synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. found in ‘Spice’-like products), of which five new chemical families were detected.

MEPs at the Culture and Education Committee voted a report that calls on Member States for a "European Skills Passport" which could certify official recognition of skills, acquired or demonstrated through volunteering, both for professional and learning purposes. MEPs also ask Member States to create an appropriate legal framework and national strategies to this end.

MEPs endorsed at the Civil Liberties Committee the draft legislation which intends to tackle exploitation, while preventing temporary stays from becoming permanent of seasonal workers. In particular, these workers would enjoy basic working and living conditions, such as a minimum wage and decent accommodation.

Europol presented the “EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report: TE-SAT 2012” which highlights the increasing prominence of lone and solo actor plots. Nevertheless, also in 2011, the total number of terrorist attacks and terrorism-related arrests in the EU continued to decrease, according to the report.