How Immigration Changes the Demographic Composition of Europe.
Immigration has become one of the key factors shaping the new demographic reality in Europe. Figures speak for themselves: in many European countries, the share of the native population is decreasing, and this phenomenon cannot be ignored. However, opinions on the significance and consequences of these changes differ.
The reduction in the native population's numbers is a challenge for Europe. This is caused by low birth rates and an aging population, which means that many countries cannot maintain their populations without attracting immigrants. In 2022, about 1.2 million people legally entered the EU and another 300,000 illegally. The UK saw 700k legal immigrants, while around 40k illegals entered, accounting for 0.4% and 1%, respectively. These figures show a significant impact of immigration on population growth.
In the Schengen area, immigration has also had an impact.
The formation of the Schengen Area, which eliminated borders between EU countries, significantly simplified movement within Europe. This has created conditions for migration, not only within the EU, but also for attracting immigrants from outside its borders. Waves of immigration started with guest workers in the 1950s-60s, then refugees from the Yugoslav wars in the 90s and recent migration crisis have made Europe one of the most attractive places for immigrants. The ethnic composition and its changes are also important factors in this process.
The ethnic composition of Europe is changing under the influence of immigration. Countries with the highest share of populations born outside the EU include Sweden, Ireland and Estonia. For example, Spain hosts 300,000 migrants from the UK, while France hosts 163,00 non-EU citizens. Meanwhile, Central and Eastern European countries such as Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Bulgaria show lower levels of immigration. These figures indicate that demographic changes affect Western and Northern European countries more strongly than Eastern ones.
To understand current demographic changes, it is necessary to look at history. The flow of non-European immigration began in the 1950s, when workers from former colonies started arriving in some Western European countries. These immigrants had children and grandchildren who also became part of European society. According to national statistical databases and Eurostat, Western European countries have the most significant share of populations with non-European origins, reaching 14-18%. High birth rates among immigrants
Immigrants, especially from non-European countries, have higher birth rates than native residents. This results in an increase in the proportion of non-Europeans among younger generations. For example, in the UK about 20% of the population are non-European, and in Denmark about 10%. In France and the UK birth rates among immigrants from non-Western countries are significantly higher than those of native populations.
The impact on major cities is significant. Immigrants are concentrated in major cities, leading to demographic changes that are particularly noticeable. Cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin are becoming multicultural metropolises, where the proportion of the native population is decreasing. These cities have become centers of ethnic diversity, presenting both opportunities and challenges for city governments. For instance, in cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester the white native population forms a minority.
Social integration of immigrants remains a significant challenge for many European countries. High levels of ethnic segregation and insufficient integration can lead to social tensions. For example, immigrants of Turkish origin in Europe show a low tendency for inter-ethnic marriages, making their integration into European society difficult. Meanwhile, immigrants from India and the Caribbean in the UK are more likely to marry locals, contributing to better integration. Europe's demographic future Demographic changes in Europe will continue in the future. High birth rates among non-European immigrants and the constant influx of new immigrants will contribute to further growth in ethnic diversity. It is important to note that in some countries, such as the Netherlands or Denmark, birth rates among foreign women are already comparable to those of local women, which can be a positive signal for integration
08/06/2024
The reduction in the native population's numbers is a challenge for Europe. This is caused by low birth rates and an aging population, which means that many countries cannot maintain their populations without attracting immigrants. In 2022, about 1.2 million people legally entered the EU and another 300,000 illegally. The UK saw 700k legal immigrants, while around 40k illegals entered, accounting for 0.4% and 1%, respectively. These figures show a significant impact of immigration on population growth.
In the Schengen area, immigration has also had an impact.
The formation of the Schengen Area, which eliminated borders between EU countries, significantly simplified movement within Europe. This has created conditions for migration, not only within the EU, but also for attracting immigrants from outside its borders. Waves of immigration started with guest workers in the 1950s-60s, then refugees from the Yugoslav wars in the 90s and recent migration crisis have made Europe one of the most attractive places for immigrants. The ethnic composition and its changes are also important factors in this process.
The ethnic composition of Europe is changing under the influence of immigration. Countries with the highest share of populations born outside the EU include Sweden, Ireland and Estonia. For example, Spain hosts 300,000 migrants from the UK, while France hosts 163,00 non-EU citizens. Meanwhile, Central and Eastern European countries such as Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Bulgaria show lower levels of immigration. These figures indicate that demographic changes affect Western and Northern European countries more strongly than Eastern ones.
To understand current demographic changes, it is necessary to look at history. The flow of non-European immigration began in the 1950s, when workers from former colonies started arriving in some Western European countries. These immigrants had children and grandchildren who also became part of European society. According to national statistical databases and Eurostat, Western European countries have the most significant share of populations with non-European origins, reaching 14-18%. High birth rates among immigrants
Immigrants, especially from non-European countries, have higher birth rates than native residents. This results in an increase in the proportion of non-Europeans among younger generations. For example, in the UK about 20% of the population are non-European, and in Denmark about 10%. In France and the UK birth rates among immigrants from non-Western countries are significantly higher than those of native populations.
The impact on major cities is significant. Immigrants are concentrated in major cities, leading to demographic changes that are particularly noticeable. Cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin are becoming multicultural metropolises, where the proportion of the native population is decreasing. These cities have become centers of ethnic diversity, presenting both opportunities and challenges for city governments. For instance, in cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester the white native population forms a minority.
Social integration of immigrants remains a significant challenge for many European countries. High levels of ethnic segregation and insufficient integration can lead to social tensions. For example, immigrants of Turkish origin in Europe show a low tendency for inter-ethnic marriages, making their integration into European society difficult. Meanwhile, immigrants from India and the Caribbean in the UK are more likely to marry locals, contributing to better integration. Europe's demographic future Demographic changes in Europe will continue in the future. High birth rates among non-European immigrants and the constant influx of new immigrants will contribute to further growth in ethnic diversity. It is important to note that in some countries, such as the Netherlands or Denmark, birth rates among foreign women are already comparable to those of local women, which can be a positive signal for integration
08/06/2024