Demographic change in Europe

The power of demography

Demography tells the story of our lives. Alongside the figures on births, deaths and migration, there are personal stories and decisions that lie at the core of demographic change. Demographic policies are there to deliver what is needed, where it is needed the most. Personal stories relate to how long we are likely to live and the quality of those years, how many children we have, and where and how we are likely to spend our lives. 

Demographic change impacts these decisions, and our economies, our welfare and health systems as well as housing and infrastructure needs in the EU’s regions. It ultimately has implications for government budgets and policy choices. The EU monitors these developments and integrates demographic concerns into the recommendations to Member States and into the design of relevant EU policies. 

The EU has taken a number of specific initiatives which support Member States in dealing with the most relevant implications of demographic change. 

Coming soon: The 2026 Demography report will be released on 14 July 2026.

Demographic trends

Understanding the causes and effects of demographic transitions allows us to better manage their consequences and make use of their opportunities, ultimately helping us build a prosperous EU for future generations.

The impact of demographic change

Demographic change in the EU has an impact on

• The labour market - as Europe’s working-age population is shrinking sustaining economic growth requires us to broaden our workforce and to increase productivity through technological advances and skills development.
• Employment - as people live longer and healthier lives, many citizens want to work longer, although not necessarily in the same kind of jobs.
• Care services - the growing share of older people in the EU brings an increased need for care services and challenges the long-term financial sustainability of our welfare states.
• Regional cohesion - demographic trends do not affect every country and every region in the same way. Whereas a number of EU Member States are projected to experience a decline in their population already in the next years, others are projected to see population growth over the same period.
• Rural areas - generally speaking, rural regions are more affected by population decline due to natural changes and outmigration than predominantly urban ones.
• Housing - population growth, life expectancy, urbanisation, migration patterns and the rise in single-person households shape housing demand by influencing the number and types of dwellings required. Conversely, housing availability, affordability and suitability influence demographic patterns.
• Europe’s position in the world - Europe, like other continents in the world, experiences demographic shifts and a declining share of the global population in the coming decades. Therefore working with our partners internationally is part of our efforts to mitigate the potential shortcomings. Increased cooperation can for example help to address the shrinking workforce by investing in skills, innovation and talent to keep the single market competitive and prosperous.
• Our democracy – demographic change impacts directly our democracy and the ability of our institutions to deliver what is needed, where it is needed. This is why it is important to have the conversation about whether democratic institutions need to adapt their short- to mid- to long-term thinking on policies and public services in view of demographic change and in view of intergenerational fairness and solidarity. Delivering for citizens increases legitimacy and most crucially builds a relationship of trust between citizens and their democratic institutions. This helps avoid voter apathy and a loss of systemic trust.

Explore more demographic statistics

What the Commission is doing

The European Commission is addressing the consequences of demographic change through a range of policy initiatives. It supports Member States in managing demographic challenges and delivering coordinated policies at the appropriate levels.

Other key initiatives