EU Population to Decline by Turn of Century, Aging Dramatically

The latest Eurostat projections paint a stark demographic picture for the European Union, indicating the end of population growth and a significant aging of its populace by the turn of the next century. As reported by Večernji List, a leading Croatian daily, the EU's population is set to peak in 2029 and then embark on a steady decline, reaching nearly 400 million by 2100. This demographic shift is not merely a numbers game; it carries profound implications for the continent's social fabric, economy, and future.

What is particularly concerning, beyond the overall population decrease, is the dramatic imbalance expected in age demographics. The number of citizens aged 65 and over is projected to double, while the youth population under 19 will shrink considerably. This means the proportion of the elderly in the population will more than double, from 12.4% to 33.6%, while the share of young people will fall to just 16.7%. This inversion of the age pyramid presents a critical challenge for social security systems, healthcare, and the labor market across the EU.

From a Croatian perspective, these EU-wide trends are particularly relevant. As a member state with its own demographic challenges, including emigration and a relatively aging population, Croatia must grapple with how to adapt to these broader European patterns. The projections underscore the urgency for proactive policies in areas such as family support, encouraging higher birth rates, and managing the integration of an aging workforce. The Večernji List emphasizes that these are not distant future problems but trends that require immediate attention and strategic planning to ensure the long-term sustainability and vitality of both Croatia and the European Union as a whole.