BRUSSELS—The greatest influx of people into Europe in decades is not just a humanitarian emergency, but also a potential stroke of luck for many countries facing the economic threat of an aging population.
A plunge in birth rates means there will be a dearth of European workers in coming years to support the growing number of retirees. So the arrival of thousands of young—and often well-educated—potential workers stands to boost the long-term economic prospects of the region.
The key is how well they are integrated and how many jobs European countries can offer.
Refugees attend a German language course at a first admission refugee facility of Labour Welfare Services AWO in Berlin's Gatow district, Germany, on Aug. 6, 2015. AP Photo/Gero Breloer
