A systematic approach to attract skilled labour from abroad would help cushion the impact of an ageing society on the labour market. In any case, Germany has to accept that fewer workers might be at its disposal in the future. Thus, it will be all the more important for those workers to be trained as well as possible.
This will require an education system that meets high standards which are comparable across Germany. Such a system will give children, youth and young adults the necessary environment and assistance to develop their talents to the fullest. And there is another aspect of demography one has to consider. The demographic burdens on Germany’s public budgets will soon grow sharply.