Demographic challenges facing Europe and Macedonia were among the main topics discussed during a meeting between Macedonia’s Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, Gjoko Velkovski, and EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas. The meeting also focused on strengthening cooperation with the European Union and ensuring that EU supported projects produce concrete benefits for citizens. The discussions brought together demographic policy with broader questions surrounding social protection, youth opportunities, equality and living conditions.
The two officials discussed current and planned activities in the areas covered by the ministry, including social policy, demographic development and youth. Particular attention was given to the implementation of policies, with both sides stressing that the success of government measures should ultimately be judged by whether they reach the people they are designed to support and improve everyday living conditions. This approach places practical results and the experiences of citizens at the center of cooperation between Macedonia and the EU.
Demographic Challenges and Opportunities for Young People
Demographic challenges have become an increasingly important policy issue across Europe, with many countries facing ageing populations and declining shares of younger and working age people. Eurostat estimates that the EU population could fall by 11.7% between 2025 and 2100 under its current projection assumptions, while the share of people aged 65 and over is expected to continue rising. These trends are creating pressure on governments to strengthen social systems, maintain workforces and develop policies that can make countries more attractive places for younger generations to live and work.
For Macedonia, the demographic question is closely connected with the future of young people and their decision to remain in the country. Velkovski and Rokas discussed policies aimed at encouraging young people to build their futures domestically while strengthening their participation in public policy development. The issue is particularly significant as governments across Europe seek ways to retain younger generations, expand employment opportunities and respond to population ageing. Creating better conditions for young people therefore represents an important part of addressing the country’s wider demographic challenges.
The meeting also addressed gender equality, with participants emphasizing the importance of policies that provide equal opportunities and access to rights and services for women and men. The discussion forms part of a wider social policy agenda in which demographic measures are closely connected with employment, social inclusion, family support and the ability of citizens to participate fully in society. Another important issue was the preparation of legislation on social housing and social entrepreneurship, with the proposed laws expected to strengthen social protection and improve inclusion by creating additional mechanisms to support people and communities facing economic or social difficulties.
The talks come as Macedonia continues its EU integration process and seeks to translate European support into tangible improvements for citizens. The European Commission has emphasized the importance of reforms under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, while EU backed opportunities for young people are also available through initiatives such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe. Closer cooperation in these areas could help provide young people with greater access to education, professional development and international opportunities while supporting the country’s broader reform agenda.
The meeting therefore highlighted that demographic policy is not simply a question of population numbers. It is closely connected to employment, social protection, housing, equality, opportunities for young people and the overall quality of life. Both sides expressed a commitment to continuing cooperation and implementing reforms that can deliver tangible results for citizens, reflecting the broader goal of ensuring that policies supported through European cooperation translate into meaningful improvements at the local level.
With Europe already confronting major demographic changes, the challenge for Macedonia will be to turn policy commitments into practical opportunities that encourage young people to remain, participate and build their futures in the country. Continued cooperation with the EU could provide additional support for that process, but the success of these measures will ultimately depend on effective implementation and whether citizens experience real improvements in employment, housing, social protection and everyday living conditions.
