From 2010, there will be more Europeans in their 60s than in their 20s. In response to a sharp decline in the birth rate across the EU, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities encourages initiatives in several Member States to tackle the problem at grass roots level. In 2003, the Europe-wide birth rate stood at 1.5 children per female. Unless the ratio rises to 1.7, experts confirm that Europe will find it increasingly difficult to remain competitive and, equally alarming, to finance pensions.