The population of the European Union (EU) expanded during 2009 by 1.4 million, with over five million children born in the region.

Over the year, the total number of inhabitants grew from 499.7 million on January 1st to 501.1 million by the end of the 12 months.

This is according to the latest figures from EU statistical agency Eurostat, which revealed that there was a natural population increase of 0.5 million and net migration rose by 0.9 million, as people came to seek employment opportunities in the region.

Net migration fell year-on-year within the 27 members states over the period in question, while the highest birth rates during 2009 were seen in Ireland, the UK and France and low instances were recorded in Germany and Austria.

In related news, a recent Eurobarometer poll suggested that 48 per cent of EU citizens would be prepared to consider migrating to a different state for a job if they were to lose their current role, while 2.3 per cent of respondents were found to already live in a location outside their native country.

Posted by Alex Donnell