BTN The Aging Face of Europe 10/12/2004

[Beyond The News]

October 12, 2004 The Aging Face of Europe —David Aikman When France and Germany opposed America over Iraq, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld quipped that they represented the Old Europe. His words were more prophetic than he realized. Though the European Union has expanded this year to 25 members with a total population of 455 million, its population is aging and shrinking so fast that in 50 years time, the U.S. will have almost caught up. Europe's population figures are a true nightmare. By 2050, every one in three Italians, Greeks and Spaniards will be 65 or older. The overall E.U. birthrate, moreover, is less than the death rate, which means that the dying are not being replaced. Europe could replace its population if it were willing to encourage immigration, uphold the family and impose some restraints on an abortion culture run amok. But since all but abandoning the Christian values that made it great, how will that happen? David Aikman is a veteran journalist and the chairman of Gegrapha. David Aikman is the author of A Man of Faith: The Spiritual Journey of George W. Bush. If this commentary was forwarded to you, sign up for your own free subscription. Beyond the News Commentaries go past today's headlines to give you concise and penetrating insight into the most pressing challenges facing our culture today. BTN commentaries cover everything from politics to popular culture, from faith to international relations and family values to the progress of the war on terrorism. You are receiving the email because you have subscribed to this list. If you would like to remove yourself from this list, please use the following link and you will be removed immediately! Thank you! Copyright 2004 Beyond The News TM Get a FREE magazine! Earn your degree online Old Europe [The Heritage Foundation] Islamic Europe? [The Weekly Standard]