Samenvatting

The average age of the population is gradually increasing in most Western countries. Therefore, the population over 65 is no longer in proportion to the working population. Some causes are a decrease in birth rates over the past decades and an increase in life expectancy. This can have consequences for the economy such as a shortage of workers and high costs of pensions. A possible solution is an increase in the funding of childcare services, which could encourage more women to work and couples to have (more) children. A higher number of mothers who are willing to work could reduce costs of population ageing. In addition, the rising fertility rate might lead to a decrease in the average age of the population in the future.
This study analyses existing studies on population ageing, explains EU policy on childcare and gender equality and compares childcare funds in the Republic of Ireland and Denmark and the effects of those funds on birthrates and employment rates among women. It concludes by answering the question whether childcare funds have a positive effect on population ageing and it recommends additional policy measures to increase the fertility rates and employment rates among women on EU level and national levels.