Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, in a written answer on 17 July 2026, outlined a range of EU policy frameworks and financial instruments available to address demographic decline, responding to a parliamentary question from Greek MEP Georgios Aftias (PPE). The answer emphasises that while demographic policies remain national competences, the EU supports member states through the Demography Toolbox, recent strategies on intergenerational fairness, affordable housing, anti-poverty, and the Talent Booster Mechanism, as well as a forthcoming Right to Stay strategy for regions facing population loss.
Šuica's reply confirms that the Commission is preparing a dedicated strategy on the Right to Stay, proposing concrete measures to boost prosperity and quality of life in declining regions. She also notes that the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034) includes addressing demographic change as an objective of National and Regional Partnership Plans and the European Competitiveness Fund. The answer lists existing financial instruments: the European Social Fund Plus (EUR 142 billion for 2021-2027) for childcare, long-term care, and skills; the European Regional Development Fund for reducing regional disparities; and the Technical Support Instrument for structural reforms. Greece specifically receives support for a Demographic Observatory and a National Action Plan on Demography.
The answer is largely declarative, reaffirming existing commitments rather than announcing new measures. It does not set numerical targets or deadlines for fresh economic measures, nor does it commit to direct financial support for national governments beyond existing programmes. The policy orientation is towards leveraging EU funds and frameworks to complement national efforts, with a focus on regional development and intergenerational fairness. Institutional follow-up is expected through the upcoming Right to Stay strategy and the next MFF negotiations, which will determine the scale of future EU funding for demographic challenges.