The European Future and the Problematic of Immigration and Demography

 

Paper: The European Future and the Problematic of Immigration and Demography. 6th Annual Political Economy Conference. University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Portuguese Association for Political Economy (Ecpol), 26- 28th January 2023, Vila Real \ Portugal.

Abstract

The paper focuses on the problematic of the demography and immigration, that have been intertwined with crises linked to issues of scientific knowledge, economic interests, political conflicts. Which can be considered one of the most complex challenges facing Europe. Accordingly, in this paper we will discuss the dialectics related to:   

-    Whether the European economic model is sustainable politically and demographically?

-          How European political and bureaucratic elites face the deep political and cultural divisions associated with these challenges, that will eventually decide the future of Europe?

Research methodology is based on the fact that overcoming the intellectual inertia and adopting a multidimensional demographic methodology. Therefore, the methodology is based on re-reading those problematic from the cultural, political perspectives, and the resulting fateful and strategic implications.

Thesis paper indicates that the reality of Europe and its future clearly needs to rethink many assumptions about how best to defend it. A first step in this path is for European leaders to put more attention to everything that is cultural and political versus everything that is purely economic. 

Accordingly, the European minds need to step outside their "comfort zone", and prepare new mental maps in order to understand the reality and future of Europe. This is at least what can be inferred from the recent challenges posed by the migration crisis in 2015, as well as the various crises related to the war between Russia and Ukraine in 2022.