Fall in population threatens economic future of Europe--Independent, UK

[Gloria]

http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/story.jsp?story=621262


Fall in population threatens economic future of Europe
By Stephen Castle in Brussels

18 March 2005

A drastic slump in birth rates combined with an ageing population will undermine Europe's prosperity within the next 20 years unless life is made easier for parents and immigration is encouraged, according to a European Commission report.

The document published yesterday points to a demographic timebomb and a widening gap between the European Union and the United States, as European workers age and birth rates lag across the continent.

The document points out that the fertility rate in Europe is "insufficient to replace the population" and adds: "Never in history has there been economic growth without population growth."

More controversially, the green paper also concludes that "ever larger migrant flows may be needed to meet the need for labour and safeguard Europe's prosperity".

The findings challenge policies adopted by many European countries, which have rushed to introduce populist measures to restrict immigration.

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[Cha]

1. I guess..Europe wouldn't mind if

I moved there then..if they're having a population problem in reverse!

[Yavin4]

2. I Have The Solution!!

Europe should recruit disaffected Americans to emigrate there! American Liberals are being marginalized in our own country, so why not just invite us other there!! We'd fit right into their culture with no problems at all!

It's a win-win solution for everyone!

[Dogmudgeon]

3. Just adopt US sex education practices

They'll have a mini-boom of births in no time!

--p!

[solinvictus]

4. I'll move over there..

I'm about to hit my idiocy threshold here in the US.

[bemildred]

5. The premise that growth is good is wrong.

There is much to be said for a decline in population and every
reason to think the decline will stabilize in time.

[sonicx]

6. Stigmatize condoms and birth control pills like they do over here...

that'll fix em. :crazy:

[stepnw1f]

7. In Case People Were Wondering

Neo-Fascism is on the rise there as well.

[rayofreason]

8. horns of the dilema

Europe either invites lots of immigrants (traditional "nonfeminist" Muslims, with a sprinkling of Jihadists) or increases the birth rate. Horns of dilema that I would solve by getting horny....