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Southern Europe in the EU Study Group

Demographic Challenges in Southern Europe


April 9, 2019
4:30pm - 6:00pm
Lower Level Conference Room, Adolphus Busch Hall
April 9, 2019
4:30pm - 6:00pm
Lower Level Conference Room, Adolphus Busch Hall

The speakers will discuss the impact of demographic challenges in Southern Europe.

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Jacob Kirkegaard will talk about: "Demographics Are Hard Facts, But Not Destiny"

Southern Europe faces an increasingly challenging demographic outlook, as decades of low fertility, anti-immigration sentiment and higher skilled emigration depress economic growth and dynamism. While the trend of an aging population cannot be reversed, changes to public policies and social norms can assist in slowing down the speed of the process. They can allow government finances, economic growth and social fairness and opportunities to remain sustainable. This presentation will discuss the key reforms to could improve Southern Europe’s demographic challenges.

Sebastian Rinken will discuss: "From Bust to Boom (Again)? Migration Dynamics in Spain and Its Discontents"

The Spanish case defies established wisdom regarding the impact of economic disruption on migratory patterns, migration policies and natives’ attitudes. The financial crisis of 2008, drove unemployment to unprecedented levels, yet it did not cause a massive exodus of Spain’s foreign-born population. The administrative status of many immigrants even improved substantively during the crisis, and public opinion remained hospitable by comparative standards. Thus, in an international context marked by increasingly poisonous anti-immigrant discourse and policies, Spain stands out as an exception. However, recent events threaten the sustainability of the country’s remarkably migration-friendly policies and public attitudes.

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