Statistics in Focus: Population and social conditions. First demographic estimates for 2003.

Abstract

Based upon monthly data available at the end of 2003, latest forecasts and expert opinion, the net inflow of international migrants (immigration minus emigration) to the European Union is expected to show a decrease in 2003 to a level of around 983 OOO persons, against 1 260 OOO persons in 2002. The number of live births is expected to increase slightly from 3.99 million in 2002 to 4.03 million in 2003. The total number of deaths is also expected to increase slightly from 3.68 million in 2002 to 3. 7 4 million in 2003. Natural population growth (live births minus deaths) is forecast to decrease from 309 OOO in 2002 to 294 OOO in 2003 . Consequently, total population growth is estimated to reach a level of around 1.3 million (compared to 1.6 million in 2002), bringing the EU population on 1 January 2004 to 380.8 million .