Natural population growth is slowing year on year across the 25-member European Union, while the continent grapples with the problems of an ageing population. That's a problem for the developed world outside Europe too, and the scenario is more worrisome for countries like Japan, which have strict policies against immigrations. They want to jealously preserve their traditions and culture from onslaughts by outsiders.

The problem of population fall has mainly to do with the weakening of, or the withering away, of family values and traditions that were once considered important. Marriage as an institution is facing major strains, especially in the West. Many men and women do not want to get married for the reason that they want to fully concentrate on their career to make a mark there; or live their own lives in full, and seek pleasures without other botherations.

What is required is a social correction. Some governments are already stepping in with new plans. It is appreciable that the Conservatives in Germany, or Poland for that matter, are seriously addressing the issue in recent times. Merkel, for instance, has initiated action to strengthen the childcare systems in a way as to reverse the negative demographic trends. Germany has shown its seriousness also in the recent appointment of a new minister for family affairs. She is a mother of seven; an unsually high figure there. The conservative government in Poland has gone a step further, and announced cash rewards for women for every delivery.

Statistics show that across EU, last year, population growth fell by one-fourth, from 447,000 to 327,000. Unless the governments show seriousness in tackling the issue, the scenario would further worsen. The writing is already on the wall: Deaths have exceeded births in Germany for the past 15 years at a stretch, that is set to further increase the nation's reliance on immigrants.