EU records lowest birth rate in a decade with 2023 figures

The European Union recorded its lowest birth rate in 2023, with a 5.5% decline from 2022. Births fell from 3,879,509 to 3,665,142, marking the lowest level in a decade and remaining below the 4 million target. Countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece reported the lowest birth rates, with Italy at 6.5 births per 1,000 people in 2024. The average age of mothers is rising, shifting from 25-29 in 2013 to 30-34 in 2023. Experts highlight that declining birth rates may be influenced by concerns over climate change, the pandemic, and high inflation. The OECD suggests that countries need to adapt policies to address a future with low fertility rates.