DEMOGRAPHIC CRISIS AS A KEY THREAT TO SOCIAL SECURITY OF THE REGION: CURRENT STATE, CAUSES, TRENDS AND WAYS TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION

Abstract

Introduction. The article analyzes the current trends of the demographic situation in Ukraine both during the full-scale invasion and before it. The main reasons that lead to a decrease in the number of the human population in Ukraine are defined and described. It is emphasized that the same trends are taking place in other European countries. The impact of the large-scale invasion on the demographic situation in Ukraine is characterized. Possible recommendations for increasing the economically active population on the territory of Ukraine for wartime and postwar times are proposed.

Materials and methods. The achievement of the set goal was facilitated by the use of methods of scientific analysis, modeling methods, assumptions; Also, the research was made possible thanks to the survey, questionnaire and interviews conducted by European and Ukrainian news agencies.

Results and discussion. The article states that the qualitative composition of the population of any country directly affects its economic development and contributes to improving the quality of social security in the region. However, a demographic decline has been taking place in Ukraine for more than a decade, while the share of elderly people is increasing. The reasons for this situation were high mortality, low birth rate, and migration processes outside the country. In addition, the full-scale invasion of Russia became a catalyst for these factors, which in its consequence can lead to a catastrophic situation. Therefore, coordinated work at all levels of state administration, a competent policy of economic development, creation of soft conditions for the work and education of young people, support of the institution of the family are extremely necessary to ensure a sufficient level of the social component of economic security.

Conclusions. Achieving a demographic plateau depends directly on the speedy end of hostilities on the territory of Ukraine. Reducing mortality, increasing the birth rate, simple reproduction of the population, and the return of about 8 million Ukrainians to their homes will depend on an effective policy of supporting Ukrainians, creating conditions for employment, education, access to medicine and public services. Further research of these phenomena and the search for actual ways to solve these problems are currently one of the most pressing issues in the post-war reconstruction of the country.

Keywords: social security, demography, population, balance, death rate, birth rate, emigration, refugee, migration policy, family institution.