“Immigration necessary to sustain European economic system”

A study by John Springford of the CER argues that boosting arrivals from non-European countries is necessary to safeguard the welfare system and overcome labour shortages.

More immigration to ensure a prosperous future for the EU: The CER, a think tank specializing in European integration, has published a study according to which immigration from non-EU countries will be necessary to ensure the level of services and the functioning of the European welfare system. Through the ethnic replacement conspiracy theory, radical right-wing parties are trying to curb the entry of migrant people into the Union. This belief, the research argues, in addition to being unsupported by any scientific evidence, pushes for implementing Zero Migration policies, which CER says will prove harmful.

...The ageing of Europe’s population, which has increased pressure on the welfare system, is forcing states to make difficult choices: increase the retirement age or reduce check figures. One possible way out, according to CER, would be offered by non-EU emigration. Bringing young workers into the Union would support economic growth and make an important contribution to the welfare system.

...The current economic situation, with labour shortages, is already affecting the management of the migration system. The CER report points out that “Employers are increasingly looking for workers from non-European countries to fill vacancies,” but not only that: according to the think tank, in the near future “the choice between ethnic homogeneity and prosperity is likely to become even more complicated.”