August 2025
Support for Birth Rates, a 360-Degree Analysis from the Meeting: “An Integrated Approach between Economic and Cultural Policies is Necessary”
A Broader Approach to Address Demographic Decline
The debate on demographic decline in Italy requires an approach that goes beyond the logic of mere economic incentives and embraces a broader vision that includes social, cultural, and corporate welfare aspects. This was the main message that emerged during the event “Support for Birth Rates: A Commitment for All”, held at the Rimini Meeting.
The discussion, moderated by journalist Angelo Picariello, highlighted the complexity of the phenomenon and outlined possible paths for action.
Current Data on Fertility in Italy
The debate was opened by Mario Bolzan, professor of Social Statistics, who presented the current data: an average fertility rate of 1.2 children per woman, far from the replacement level, and a steady increase in households composed of a single person. These figures, Bolzan explained, are linked to factors such as the rising age at marriage and parenthood, and they point to a profound transformation of the social structure.
Public Policies and New Legislative Proposals
The analysis then shifted to public policies with the intervention of Matteo Rizzolli, professor of Economic Policy. Rizzolli highlighted how European reference models, from the French to the Scandinavian, are showing signs of difficulty in the face of a widespread fertility decline. For Italy, he suggested a change of method, proposing the introduction of an “annual family law” to systematically remove regulatory barriers and a “generational impact assessment” for new laws.
An Anthropological Vision Underlying Family Reforms
According to Domenico Menorello, coordinator of the Ditelo sui tetti network, reforms must be grounded in a precise anthropological vision. “It is essential to consider birth and family not only in terms of expenditure, but as an investment in relationships and in the future of the community.” Among the proposals advanced was the introduction of a family tax unit to recognize the value of the family nucleus.
The Role of Civil Society and Volunteering
The role of civil society was central in the testimony of Marina Casini Bandini, president of the Movimento per la Vita (Movement for Life), who emphasized the importance of volunteer work as a support network for women and families. “In 50 years of activity, our centers have contributed to the birth of nearly 300,000 children, offering listening and concrete help. This demonstrates that there is an active social fabric that makes up for what institutions are not always able to provide.”
The Contribution of the Private Sector and Corporate Welfare
Finally, Agostino Carloni of Farmindustria illustrated how the private sector can play a crucial role. Thanks to advanced corporate welfare policies—including flexible working hours, smart working, and longer parental leave—the pharmaceutical sector records a fertility rate of 1.8 children per woman, a figure significantly higher than the national average. “This shows that creating a work environment supportive of parenthood produces concrete results,” said Carloni, hoping that these practices will spread as part of a broader “social pact.”
The Family as a Fundamental Social Actor for the Future
El debate llevó así a un llamado a considerar a la familia como un actor social fundamental, promoviendo un contexto normativo y cultural que apoye su formación y desarrollo.
