One-fifth of EU countries to have Muslim population by 2050

LONDON - A survey by a British newspaper has found that due to the rise in the levels of immigration from Muslim countries and low birth rates among Europe’s indigenous population, a fifth of the European Union (EU) would have Muslim populations by 2050.

Last year, five per cent of the total population of 27 EU countries was Muslim. But, according to forecasts, the figure would rise to 20 per cent by 2050, The Telegraph reports.

It further revealed that Britain, Spain and Holland would have an even higher proportion of Muslims in a shorter amount of time.

The data gathered from various sources also projected UK would be EU’s most populous country by 2060, with 77 million people.

The findings have led to allegations that policy-makers are failing to confront the widespread challenges of the “demographic time bomb”.

Meanwhile, experts said that there has been a lack of debate on how the population changes will affect areas of life from education and housing to foreign policy and pensions. (ANI)