Ageing populations and low birthrates should be seen as a challenge and an opportunity instead of a threat, according to a two-day forum on demographic change.
An new proposal from the Finnish presidency on the stalled Working Time Directive would allow the UK to maintain its opt-out from the directive's 48-hour cap, but introduce a 60-hour cap for all.
Under the opt-out scheme of the Working Time Directive, workers don't have a real choice of not working longer hours if their employer wants them to, say MEPs from the Parliament's two largest groups.
More needs to be done to achieve a better balance between private and professional life, in particular for women, argues the Commission. Social partners have been asked to comment.