ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the future projection of population in Eastern Europe and the process of ageing. As to mortality effect in population ageing, the experience of Western Europe suggests that ageing of already old populations, with very low fertility and mortality, is mortality- rather than fertility-driven. A very distinctive characteristic of fertility changes in Eastern Europe is that the very low levels of fertility are associated with a relatively young age at birth of the first child and postponement of the second child. The chapter focuses on demographic processes follow: rapid fertility decline and the prospect for change; diverse mortality trends and patterns; and finally the unpredicted flows of migration. A very important aspect of mortality with regards to ageing is the pace and magnitude of improvement of mortality at old age. EU accession was expected to accelerate ageing in the new EU states as they were seen as losing their young population through out-migration.
