A drop making ripples in water

Policy Insights lay out the research perspective on a policy issue. 

They are written by FutuRes experts in cooperation with Population Europe.

Policy Insights

Woman at work at a desk

The unsolved "Employment Dilemma": As long as women’s employment remains intertwined with care responsibilities, gender inequality in old age is likely to remain high – or even increase. Apolline Parel of AGE Platform Europe suggests an integrated approach to labour markets and care.
people around a table working with various computer devices

To the labour market's rescue! Our experts Emily Barker and Jakub Bijak recommend a variation of strategies, depending on the country. Policies will have to reactivate the working-age population and keep early retirees partially active.
A couple looking worried while doing their budget

Today's "relationship recession" affects tomorrow's well-being. Data show that fewer young Europeans start lasting and committed relationships than younger people did in the past. It is time to actively support family formation with smart policies, says Anna Rotkirch.
Older person receives a shopping bag at the door

Manage demographic change locally. What are promising strategies of adaptation in regions and municipalities? In this Briefing, we recommend best-practices to get the local level ready for demographic change, following the advice of high-level policymakers.
A palm tree bending in a storm

Resilience is the new feature of advanced welfare states. FutuRes Head of Research Arnstein Aassve and Population Europe Executive Secretary Andreas Edel appeal to leaders in Europe: Invest in cohesion and fairness, so that Europe can withstand coming crises!
Young woman with protective goggles

How to address Europe's skill shortage? FutuRes research shows that governments would be ill-advised to rely on migration and automation to fix labour markets. Instead, the policy focus should be to attract workers in a targeted way.
An EU Flag is waved at an demonstration

Resilient governance goes beyond persisting – it is about adapting. FutuRes experts Arnstein Aassve and Elena Bastianelli argue that a resilient system is one that evolves, by learning to better cope in the future. Governing institutions, they say, play a crucial role in this.
Shoes of two young people who appear to be sitting on a roof

Lessons of resilience from COVID-19 and the Great Recession: In this Policy Insight, FutuRes experts Agnieszka Chłoń-Domińczak and Anna Maliszewska explain how policies can support young people with their family intentions during and after crises.
Puzzle pieces which say Uncertainty Management, Scenario Building, Microsimulation and Simulation Games

When engaging with the future, match your needs with the right tools: This brief contains four “Building Blocks” for foresight in policy. It provides an orientation for policymakers who wish to employ foresight in a scientifically rigorous and actionable way.
Young man and child playing together

Ten steps towards more baby-friendly policies in this decade: Europe needs to prevent a freefall of fertility rates. However, our expert Anna Rotkirch warns of coercive strategies, which have proven pointless. Rotkirch presents cost-effective ways towards attractive environments for families.
Two women in a work place, probably a storage facility

As Europe builds resilient labour markets, migration can help – but will not be enough: A decline of the European labour force puts European social systems to the test. Is the solution simply: more migration? FutuRes Research Leader Jakub Bijak explains the flaws in this idea.
Older people with facemasks on are having a conversation

The EU should build its policies upon the resilience of older people: Older people were among the groups most affected by COVID-19, but at the same time more equipped to adapt to the crisis. Apolline Parel of AGE Platform Europe presents some resilience learnings.
Crowd of people

Ageing, gender, migration. Three reasons why EU policymakers should care about Demography: In this first Policy Insight, FutuRes Head of Research Arnstein Aassve implores political leaders to keep the demography agenda alive – for the sake of European prosperity.