6. Demographic ageing will have profound implications, not only for individuals, but also for publicservices, business and civil society, impacting, among others: health and social care systems, labour markets,public finances and pension entitlements. Demographic indicators that describe the latest developments foran ageing Europe show that, in the timespan of 50 years, the old age dependency ratio is projected to morethan double. The old age dependency ratio for the European Union-27 was 25,9% in 2001. It will reach 56,7%by 2050, when there will be fewer than two persons of working age for each older person. As a result, theelderly population will require increasing support to meet their needs and the future generations will findthemselves having to bear the costs for an aged society with less social security and a weaker public welfaresystem.

7. The Assembly is convinced that the current demographic ageing requires, therefore, positive action tohelp support an increase in birthrates and assist parents with child upbringing. More generous policies areneeded to raise fertility rates at national and European levels. This is, however, not sufficient. Adequateintegration policies for newly arriving persons are needed to bridge the population pyramid gaps due to rapiddemographic ageing. Specific measures must, therefore, be taken to avoid severe macro-economic and socialimplications, for the benefit of all.

8. The Assembly therefore calls Council of Europe member States, as a matter of priority, to developeffective policies and initiatives to ensure the well-being and quality of life for the elderly population. Countriesneed to build a “longevity society”, which aims to promote healthy ageing and to exploit the advantages oflonger quality lives. It requires a cultural shift, investments in research, and the development of social policiesthat empower older citizens towards a more inclusive, healthy, and prosperous society for all generations.

9. In parallel to that, States should strive to improve their policies promoting migrants’ general integrationand social cohesion. Comprehensive, gender-responsive and multidimensional integration policies must beimplemented, from the regularisation of undocumented migrant workers in the informal economy to thepromotion of direct and targeted aid in local communities and job training. Failure to address migrants'integration needs would lead to negative outcomes, including social tension, cultural clashes, and economicdisparities, with a decline in overall well-being for all.

10. The Assembly strongly encourages member States to support programmes aimed at building bridgesbetween various communities. In this context, public authorities should consider investing in relevant capacitybuilding measures for civil society organisations. Promoting engagement within existing social infrastructures,such as membership of sports associations or participation in local festivals and events, can also lead to moresustainable integration.

11. The Assembly strongly believes that intergenerational and intercultural co-operation programmes canimprove community connections because there is no development without intergenerational balance.Intergenerational learning for children brings higher self-esteem and helps them make new friendships. As forthe older adults, they feel valued, their health and fitness improve and they are less isolated and learn newskills, including the use of new technologies. Finally, their general physical well-being improves. Communities,families and family networks together benefit from intergenerational learning, thanks to the social inclusionthat is brought by intergenerational solidarity.

12. The Assembly underscores the importance of developing European programmes to support non-formaleducation and to provide space for inter-cultural and inter-generational solidarity. Adequate recognition andresources are needed to help newly arriving persons socialise and get access to public services or informalsupport. Creating spaces for informal meetings, where intergenerational and intercultural contact is possible,should be key in developing policies at the local, national and international levels.

13. The Assembly calls upon member States to put into practice its Resolution 2502 (2023) “Integration ofmigrants and refugees: benefits for all parties involved”, acting in particular to:

13.1. establish a new social contract, which sets out the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved in the integration process. Acceptance of this new social contract depends on the existence of democratic practices that build social support. Highlighting the rights and responsibilities for the newly arriving populations provides clarification from the start and builds trust and respectful co-operation between local communities and the beneficiaries of resettlement programmes;

13.2. support mentoring programmes and integration guides;

13.3. develop nationwide interpretation services to support integration;

13.4. enhance education, from language training to democratic citizenship and human rights education;

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