European population reaches 450 million mark
The European Union (EU) has experienced a gradual slowdown in its population growth rate over the past few decades, with the average annual increase dropping from approximately 3 million people during the 1960s to around 0.9 million people between 2005 and 2024.
Several key factors have contributed to this trend:
1. **Decline in Fertility Rates:** The significant decrease in fertility rates across Europe has been a primary cause. As education levels and economic opportunities increased, many women delayed childbearing, and average family sizes decreased. This trend has consistently contributed to reduced population growth.
2. **Aging Population:** Advances in healthcare have increased life expectancy, leading to a higher proportion of older individuals. However, this has also resulted in lower birth rates among younger generations, slowing population growth. An aging population also affects the workforce, potentially leading to labor shortages and economic pressures.
3. **Changes in Migration Patterns:** The EU has experienced fluctuations in net migration patterns over the decades. While migration has historically contributed positively to population growth, recent declines have affected overall numbers. Economic conditions and political climates in Europe and neighbouring regions have influenced migration trends.
4. **Economic and Social Factors:** Increased urbanization and changes in lifestyle, including later marriage and fewer children, have contributed to lower birth rates and slower population growth. Economic instability and uncertainty can also influence family planning decisions, leading to fewer births.
5. **Health and Policy Factors:** While improvements in healthcare have increased life expectancy, they have not significantly countered the low fertility rates. Additionally, policies aimed at supporting families have sometimes been insufficient to reverse declining birth rates.
As of January 1, 2025, Germany has the largest population among the 27 Member States, followed by France and Italy. Malta has the smallest population, while Portugal is in 10th place with a population of 10.749 million people.
Interestingly, the EU population has experienced four consecutive increases since 2021, following a decline in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This increase is largely attributed to migration movements. However, it's important to note that since 2012, the EU population has had a negative natural change (more deaths than births), with positive net migration outweighing this negative trend.
These interlinked factors have resulted in a gradual decline in the EU population growth rate over the past few decades, presenting challenges for policymakers as they strive to maintain a balanced and sustainable population.
News from Portugal indicates that the country has experienced a decline in its population growth rate, influenced by several factors. In the realm of politics and general news, discussions revolve around the impact of Portugal's low birth rates, aging population, while alterations in migration patterns have also played a significant role. The disruptive effects of these trends on the workforce and potential labor shortages are a topic of concern for policymakers.
