EU hits record low in births in 2023: How many babies were born in past decade?

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The European Union saw its largest annual decline in births on record, with a 5.5% drop.

According to the latest Eurostat data, births across EU Member States decreased from 3,879,509 in 2022 to 3,665,142 in 2023.

However, this is not the only downturn.

The EU birth rate in 2023 is also the lowest in 10 years, remaining below the 4 million target forecasted in Eurostat’s long-term population projections.

Experts suggest the decline may be linked to factors such as concerns over climate change, the pandemic, and the highest inflation surge in a generation.

Italy, Spain, Greece, Lithuania, and Latvia saw the lowest rates in 2023 and 2024 in births per 1,000 people, according to the United Nations.  

In 2024, Italy has the lowest average crude birth rate at 6.5 births per 1,000 population, while Cyprus has the highest at 10.5.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warns that countries must adapt their policy strategies to a new ‘low-fertility future.

The OECD suggests that a proactive approach to migration and integration, along with improving access to employment for underrepresented groups, could help tackle this issue.

What challenges does delayed parenthood pose?

Projected fertility rates in Central, Eastern, and Western Europe are all below the global average for 2050 and 2100.

As parenthood is delayed, the average age of mothers in Europe is also rising.

In 2013, the largest group of mothers was women aged 25 to 29, but by 2023, the largest group had shifted to women aged 30 to 34.

The United Nations says that most European populations have already peaked. 

It also warns that the increase in the proportion and number of people aged 65 and over requires the development and strengthening of healthcare and social protection systems, as well as national policies to create fair and inclusive societies for people of all ages.