This forum brought together business leaders, government officials, experts, scientists and representatives of international organizations — to discuss key challenges for the demographic future of Europe.

The summit program was held under the slogan “The Demographic Equation: People, Policies and Opportunities” and focused on finding solutions to strengthen the demographic sustainability of Europe. The problems of rapid aging, declining birth rates, lack of qualified personnel and difficulties faced by young families were discussed.

Speakers include European Commissioners, ministers from Croatia, Denmark, Slovenia, Malta, Hungary, Poland, as well as representatives from the World Bank, OECD, McKinsey, IKEA, DHL, Healthcare Activos, Clariane and DG SANTE of the European Commission.

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Shared responsibility for shared challenges

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The summit participants emphasized: the demographic crisis is not only a national, but a pan-European issue. EBS platforms contribute to the formulation of policies that should strengthen the EU's social and economic systems.

The following solutions were discussed:

– technological innovations in pediatrics, including the use of robots to assist medical personnel;

- including reproductive programs in the list of those funded by the state;

– cultural factors that influence the desire to have children;

– social housing as a tool for attracting medical specialists to depopulated regions and legal migration programs, etc.

These ideas are potentially relevant for Ukraine as well - however, without taking into account the realities of war, they remain distant from our context.

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Ukraine inside: war and demography

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Ukraine is already facing critical challenges: falling birth rates, an aging population, and youth outflow. Demography is not just numbers - it is a matter of security, economic viability, and the future of the country.

ZDOROVI was one of the few Ukrainian organizations at the summit. And this is no coincidence: our presence is about recognizing the Ukrainian experience as part of the pan-European discourse. More than 8 million Ukrainians have gone abroad, hundreds of thousands have been mobilized. In frontline regions, even giving birth to a child has become an act of courage.

ZDOROVI drew attention to the national program "First Breath", which is aimed at ensuring a safe start to life for every newborn. The program involves the supply of modern equipment, training of medical personnel and monitoring the quality of care. After all, supporting fertility is not just declarations, but daily, hard work.

The Ukrainian context was not officially included in the program, because the summit was dedicated to EU countries, but in personal dialogues ZDOROVI received sincere support and had the opportunity to convey their own position. For many participants, our experience was an unexpected but important addition to the discussion. Just working under conditions of shelling and martial law is a level of courage that is difficult for Europeans in peaceful cities to comprehend.

We are grateful to European Business Summits for creating a space in which the Ukrainian voice was heard. Right now, Ukraine has the moral right to speak about the value of life, the state's responsibility to the new generation, and the importance of parenthood for the future.

ZDOROVI is convinced: demography is a choice. The choice to invest in life even in the darkest times. And we choose this future every day - through the support of hospitals, communities, partnerships, and systemic solutions.

Ukraine is part of Europe. And its demographic sustainability is a common challenge. Therefore, ZDOROVI's participation in the summit was not symbolic, but necessary. Because we are not just observing changes - we are among those who shape them.

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« ZDOROVI is convinced that demography is a choice. It is a choice to invest in life even in the darkest times. And we choose this future every day — through support for hospitals, communities, partnerships, and systemic solutions. Ukraine is part of Europe, and its demographic stability is a shared challenge. That is why our participation in the summit was not symbolic, but necessary. We are not just observing the changes — we are among those who are shaping them », — said Natalia Tulinova, founder and CEO of ZDOROVI.

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