Special Representative Gudrun Kugler addresses side event on demographic change in Vienna, 21 Feb. 2025VIENNA, 21 February 2025 – The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Representative on Demographic Change and Security, Gudrun Kugler (Austira), highlights the profound impact of demographic shifts on security and stability across the OSCE region, and possible remedies, in a 22-page report.
The report, titled “Demographic Change in the OSCE Region: Analysis, Impact and Possible Solutions of a Mega Trend Reshaping Society,” calls for urgent policy responses to address declining birth rates, aging populations, and their far-reaching consequences.
As part of the presentation, Kugler hosted a side event during the annual Winter Meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly on 21 February, inviting delegates to engage in an open discussion on the challenges posed by demographic change. The event featured expert contributions from Nicholas Gailey, researcher at the Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital, and Vladimir Gjorchev, National Coordinator for Demography, Youth and Human Resources in N. Macedonia, who provided key insights into the demographic trends affecting many countries. Their inputs set the stage for a dynamic exchange of perspectives on how best to address these pressing issues.
“The demographic shift will fundamentally alter our societies, yet we are not adequately prepared,” said Kugler at the presentation of her report. “Falling birth rates and an aging population put immense pressure on our economic and social systems. For example, in Austria, by 2042, there will be only two working-age individuals for every retiree, significantly straining pension systems and the labor market.”
This was echoed by Vladimir Gjorchev, stating: “Everyone talks about human resources, but there are no human resources without humans. Since 2019, two thirds of the people in the world live in the countries with fertility rate below 2,1. That means that many countries are faced with major population decline and depopulation. The OSCE PA and Vice President Kugler are taking a step in the right direction covering this mega-issue.”
Demographer Nicholas Gailey stated: “Unfulfilled fertility desires are now common throughout the OSCE region, representing clear room for policy action in support of families. Such should be part of a broader response to demographic change that requires reflection on what is important for building a resilient and prosperous country – including the health, skills, and well-being of the population.”
As the OSCE PA’s Special Representative, Kugler has been actively working to explore solutions to these pressing challenges. Her report raises critical questions, such as what incentives are needed to foster family-friendly societies, why migration and digitalization alone are insufficient responses to demographic decline, what challenges to security we will have to face and how to reduce unplanned childlessness. “The key question is not only why do people have so few children, but why do so few people have children,” said Kugler.
The report also outlines policy recommendations aimed at mitigating these risks through economic reforms, social incentives, and strategic planning.
“This is a wake-up call,” Kugler stated. “Demographic change is a life-altering reality which demands awareness and commitment on a broad societal level, a cultural shift in attitudes towards having children, and strategic political action.”
Kugler looks forward to engaging with OSCE participating States on this critical issue and welcomes discussion on her findings as she calls for strengthened co-operation to develop sustainable demographic policies that address the economic and social challenges ahead.
The full report is available here (PDF, 22 pages).
For more information on the work of the Special Representative on Demographic Change and Security, please click here.
