CARRY THE FIRE OR WHY DO WE NEED CHILDREN?
Schedule
Wed Oct 29 2025 at 01:00 pm to 02:30 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Tas vezér u. 3-7., Budapest, Hungary, 1113 | Budapest, BU
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In recent decades, Europe has encountered a wide array of challenges — including economic stagnation, mass migration, and political instability. Yet perhaps none is more far-reaching or consequential than the continent’s ongoing demographic crisis. The accelerating ageing and decline of the population, compounded by labor shortages and emigration, present urgent and complex policy challenges with both immediate and long-term implications.This panel will examine the root causes and consequences of Europe’s demographic decline, with a particular focus on the decreasing in fertility intentions among younger generations. Key questions to be addressed include:
What are the primary reasons young people today are choosing to have fewer children than previous generations?
To what extent do economic conditions drive declining fertility intentions, and how are these decisions shaped by wider cultural and societal transformations?
What role can the state play in supporting young people’s aspirations to start families?
These and related questions will form the basis of a multidisciplinary dialogue aimed at deepening our understanding of one of the most pressing issues confronting Europe’s future.
Programme
13:00 – 13:05 | Opening Remarks
13:05 – 13:20 | Barbara Socha: Family Formation Plans Among Polish Youth
13:20 – 14:20 | Panel Discussion
14:20 – 14:30 | Q&A
Panelists
Barbara Socha – Former Polish Deputy Minister of Family; Founder, Generations Institute
Árpád József Mészáros – Strategic Vice-President, Maria Kopp Institute for Demography and Families
Attila Beneda – Deputy State Secretary for Families, Ministry of Culture and Innovation
Georgina Kiss-Kozma – Deputy Director, Youth Research Institute
Moderator: Gergely Réti, Youth Policy Expert, Youth Research Institute
The event is free to attend, but requires pre-registration.
Registration: https://mcc.hu/esemenyregisztracio/carry-the-fire-or-why-do-we-need-children
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Where is it happening?
Tas vezér u. 3-7., Budapest, Hungary, 1113Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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