What Role Can Immigration Play in Shaping Europe's Future?
Abstract
Europe is experiencing a steady population decline, which is sharpened by the aging of its population. Nothing is more determinant for Europe's future than the question of whether the Old Continent will be able to solve this acute demographic problem, and if so, how. This project will examine this issue through the lens of critical thinking, explain the main problems related to the issue, and propose policy options. In the near- to mid-term, the most promising solution to Europe's population decline is immigration. This should be supported by a concerted effort to make the European Union a more attractive destination for immigrants through a fair and proactive integration policy. The migration context in Europe has changed significantly over the last few decades and many Member States have converted from countries of emigration to countries of immigration. Immigration alone will not resolve Europe's demographic and economic problems, but it may help mitigate the phenomenon. If European citizens perceive immigration as an opportunity to be seized, rather than a burden to be shouldered and a threat to their security and culture, Europe will have a greater chance of maintaining its economic power and its relative geopolitical status.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA560188
Entities
People
- Fernando Paglialunga
Organizations
- United States Army War College