United KingdomThe European Union is projected to reach its peak population of 453.3 million in 2029 before declining to 398.8 million by 2100, marking an 11.7% decrease. This demographic shift is driven by increased life expectancy—reaching 81.5 years in 2024—and a fertility rate of 1.34 children per woman in 2024, significantly below the replacement level of 2.1. The aging population presents challenges such as labor shortages, strain on public finances, and pressures on healthcare and education systems. While migration may partially mitigate these issues, it is not seen as a complete solution. The EU emphasizes the need to enhance productivity and reduce unemployment to address the shrinking workforce, noting that 20% of working-age individuals are currently outside the labor force.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of the demographic challenges facing the EU without overtly favoring any political ideology. It cites data from the EU executive's Joint Research Centre and quotes EU Commissioner Dubravka Suica, presenting both the challenges and potential opportunities (e.g
