Vucic: Demography becoming most important political issue

He said that the Serbian government had introduced some measures modeled on what Hungary had done earlier and would bring in new measures to help raise birth rates.

He said the next central topic would be the fight against climate change, which both Serbia and Hungary consider important. “But is it really more important than demographic issues? Is it really more important than the future of our countries, the future of our nations?”

Vucic said Europe had been contributing less and less to global economic growth in recent decades, adding that within a few decades Nigeria alone would have a larger population than the European Union or the United States. “It is high time to act,” he said.

Hungary’s minister in charge of family affairs Katalin Novak said that the heads of state and government taking part in the Summit signed a joint declaration on supporting families. “We see Europe’s demographic renewal, sustainability and future in strengthening and supporting families,” Novák said. She added that the declaration obliged signatories to encourage couples to have children, promote fair wages and the development of labor-based economies by pursuing effective family policies. The declaration also urges the European Union to consider demographic aspects when shaping its policies.