Dr. Matjaž Gams and Marko Staroveški: In the current trend, the Slovenes will not exist in 200 years.

A new international study suggests that hybrid work, working remotely at least one day per week, may serve as an unexpected tool against demographic decline in developed countries. Researchers analyzed data from individuals aged 20 to 45 across 38 countries and the United States, comparing their actual number of children, plans for future children, and estimated lifetime fertility rates. The findings indicate that adults who work remotely have, on average, more children or intend to have larger families than those who do not have this option. The link between remote work and higher fertility is strongest among couples where both partners can work from home. In the sample of 38 countries, the estimated total number of already born and planned children was 0.32 children per woman, or approximately 14 percent higher, compared to couples where neither partner works from home. In American data, the difference was even greater, at 0.45 children, or around 18 percent. This includes both realized fertility and aspirations for future children. One possible explanation is that flexible work reduces time and organizational costs associated with family life. Less commuting, more control over daily schedules, and easier coordination of childcare, school obligations, and medical visits could ease the combination of career and parenthood. It’s also possible that individuals who already have or want children tend to choose jobs offering remote work options more frequently. The issue of demographic decline has become increasingly urgent in Slovenia, according to scientists and politicians. Dr. Matjaž Gams, a scientist from the Jožef Stefan Institute, warned that under current trends, the Slovenian population would practically disappear within 200 years. He emphasized that low birth rates, anti-natalist propaganda, and dependence on immigration are changing Slovenia faster than many recognize. Alongside Dr. Gams, Marko Staroveški, a member of parliament, highlighted the lack of effective policies to address these challenges. They discussed the consequences of declining fertility and potential solutions, including how artificial intelligence might assist in addressing the crisis. Gams noted that he was likely the first person to prepare demographic projections using artificial intelligence. These projections suggest that the Slovenian population would nearly vanish within two centuries if current trends continue. By around the year 2100, the population might be so sparse that national identity would be difficult to maintain. However, he stressed that these projections assume no major changes occur. Despite the significance of his findings, Gams faced considerable criticism and negative feedback in the past, which he attributed to political sensitivities surrounding the topic. According to recent statistics, Slovenia's natural growth rate remained negative in the first quarter of 2026, while migration contributed positively. During this period, 3,987 children were born, and 5,645 residents died. Compared to the same period last year, births decreased by 76 (2%), and deaths by 164 (3%). The negative natural growth rate per 1,000 inhabitants changed from -3.3 to -3.1. There were fewer marriages and more divorces, with 747 couples marrying (12 fewer than last year) and 563 couples divorcing (33 more than last year). Internal migrations declined by 3%, while the number of immigrants increased by 10% and emigrants decreased by 10%. More foreign nationals moved into Slovenia than Slovenians left the country. Despite the growing population, much of this increase is due to immigration rather than natural growth. Statistics show that the number of foreign-born residents in Slovenia has risen significantly, with 10.7% of the population being non-Slovenian citizens. The majority of long-term immigrants come for employment reasons, with 60% arriving for work, 24% for family reunification, and just 0.6% for humanitarian reasons. This contrasts sharply with the OECD average, where work-related migration accounts for about 17% of all long-term migrants, with family reunification being the largest category. Bosnia and Herzegovina leads in the number of valid residence permits in Slovenia, with over 115,000 holders. Kosovo, Serbia, and North Macedonia follow. New trends show a rapid rise in the number of Indian, Nepalese, Filipino, and Bangladeshi nationals receiving permits. India is now the fifth-largest source of new permits, while Nepal ranks among the fastest-growing sources of labor. Prime Minister Janez Janša has identified demographics as one of the greatest long-term challenges facing Slovenia. At a recent SDS camp in Bovč, he stated that a nation is defined not just by its landscapes and rivers, but by its people. Without a population that feels a sense of national identity, there can be no homeland. Although Slovenia's population continues to grow, this is primarily due to immigration rather than natural increase. The government has established a Ministry of Demography to develop measures aimed at boosting fertility, supporting families, facilitating the balance between professional and family life, and adapting the state to an aging population. Official statistics reveal that while the overall population has grown, the number of Slovenian citizens has decreased. Between the third quarter of 2008 and the second quarter of 2026, the total population increased by about 113,000, but the number of Slovenian citizens dropped by 50,508, while the number of foreigners rose by 164,264. Without immigration, the population would have been declining for several years. The proportion of foreign nationals in Slovenia today stands at 10.7%. The economic aspect of immigration is significant, with 60% of long-term immigrants coming for work. This reflects the country's ongoing struggle with low unemployment, an aging population, and a shortage of labor. Companies increasingly rely on foreign workers to fill these gaps. While Bosnia and Herzegovina remains the leading source of immigrants, Asia is emerging as a rapidly growing source of labor, particularly from India, Nepal, the Philippines, and Bangladesh.