THE EUROPEAN-UNION AND THE SPECTER OF UNCONTROLLED IN-MIGRATION

Most of the brisk population growth today is occurring in developing n ations. Population growth is, however, uneven in parts of the world wi th resultant population imbalance. Western Europe, for instance, has a total fertility rate (TFR) below replacement level and an aging popul ation - this creates a sharp population imbalance with nations at her southern and southeastern perimeter. Specifically, countries of the Mi ddle East and North Africa are projected to have a combined youthful p opulation of 655.5 million at 2025, as compared to 369.9 million for t he fifteen countries of the EU, and with their high per capita GNP to boot. In addition, Sub-Saharan Africa is also experiencing brisk popul ation growth and is projected to reach 1,100 by 2025. It is reasonable to assume that overpopulation, political upheaval, unemployment, and water scarcity (North Africa and the Middle East) will generate waves of migration towards the EU due to a host of push and pull factors. Th is prospect is viewed with trepidation in EU and considerable energy h as been expended for suitable solutions under constant pressure by rig ht-wing parties. Finally, a number of measures are hereby proposed suc h as the partial adoption of the Australian migration model; pronatali st programs to boost fertility in Europe to replacement levels; suppor t of family-planning in the Middle East and Africa; the retraining of the unemployed; the entry of married women into the marketplace; secur ity agreements with North Africa and the Middle East countries and a r escue plan for Sub-Saharan Africa.