Demographic Trends in the European Union: Political and Strategic Implications

Abstract

This thesis analyzes adverse demographic trends in the European Union, including sub-replacement birthrates and increasing median ages. It investigates the implications of these trends for the EU's prospects for becoming a stronger and more influential actor in international affairs. Pressures arising from population trends in and near the EU could ultimately affect national and EU cohesion, governmental effectiveness, and social stability. Absent remedial measures, social programs in some EU countries will be unsustainable due to the mounting financial burden of pensions and health care for growing elderly populations. Such financial obligations hinder funding other national programs, including modernized military capabilities.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA424692

Entities

People

  • Clark J. Rasco

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Demography
  • Employment
  • Ethnic Groups
  • European Union
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • Health Care
  • Human Population
  • International Law
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Military Capabilities
  • Minority Groups
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Public Policy
  • United States

Readers

  • Economics
  • International Relations and European Studies