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Demographic change will, in the long term, lead to shrinking and ageing populations in Europe. At the same time, younger economies are eying the international markets. Can a European reindustrialisation be successful under these circumstances? Max Grünig Fellow at Ecologic Institute Berlin was searched for an answer to this question at the Committee of the Regions. A full report based on the participant’s presentation can be downloaded.

In the next 50 years, populations will age and shrink in the large majority of European regions. This will have a considerable impact upon all aspects of life, especially regarding the work force. The average employee will not only be older, but – due to rising retirement age – will also have to work longer. How will this impact the European economy and how will this affect the competitiveness of European industries?

At the same time, there are numerous transition economies – the so-called BRIC countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China – demonstrating high growth potential due to their young and dynamic work forces.

Furthermore, Europe is poor in natural resources and is having to import those under increasingly difficult conditions. Will it be possible for Europe – under these circumstances – to find its comparative cost advantage in manufacturing?

The slides for the presentation are available for download [pdf, 100 KB, English]. In addition, a full report [pdf, 373 kB, English] based on the participants presentations and discussions can be downloaded here.

This event of the Madariaga Foundation took place in cooperation with the Committee of the Regions under the patronage of Gerhard Stahl, Secretary General of the Committee of the Regions.