摘要：In the early 21st century the European Union is confronted with an ageing population,
stagnating or even declining native populations, high unemployment and modest
economic growth. Between 2001 and 2005, in the EU-27 GDP per capita grew on
average by 1.4% per year (EU-15: +1.1% p.a.; EU-12: +4.9% p.a.).1 At the same time,
unemployment rates remained at high levels: 9% on average in the EU-27 (EU-15: 8%;
EU-12: 13%) compared to 4-5% in the US.
