The coming decades will be characterised by robust changes in population composition of the Netherlands. Population shrinkage in certain regions and ageing change the economic structure; the impact of migration is still unknown. A situation may be reached in which a trade surplus gives way to a trade deficit, and more saving, including for pensions, gives way to more spending. This new situation raises fundamental questions, including in the global context. First of all, to the sustainability of the welfare state and care structure: can an increase in elderly people be adequately accommodated financially and in terms of support? What dilemmas does this create? Specifically, there are questions about the relationship with migration: does this offer the Netherlands opportunities or does it actually aggravate problems? Does it require international policy? There is a relationship here with global developments, such as overpopulation, refugee problems and environmental concerns.
Connecting character
This problem definition is interdisciplinary in nature. It is essentially an economic issue, but with connections and solution directions from political science, geography, sociology, demography, history, ethics and care. Because similar developments are occurring throughout Europe and there is a relationship with global problems, this theme lends itself to international (comparative) research.
