The population across the 27 nations of the European Union is expected to reach its highest point in 2029 before entering a period of gradual long-term decline. Current data shows the bloc has 450.6 million residents, but researchers anticipate this figure will climb to a peak of 453.3 million within the next five years. Following this peak, projections suggest a steady decrease, with the total population falling to 398.8 million by the year 2100—an 11.7 percent reduction that would return the EU to population levels last seen in the 1970s.
This demographic shift is largely driven by an ageing society. Improved healthcare and better social conditions have led to longer lives, with life expectancy at birth hitting 81.5 years in 2024. Projections indicate that by 2100, life expectancy could climb beyond 90 years for women and 86 years for men. By 2050, nearly one in three EU residents is expected to be aged 65 or older, a significant increase from the current ratio of one in five.
EU commissioner Dubravka Suica noted that while living longer is a major achievement, the resulting demographic change is reshaping economies, societies, and labour markets. The EU executive's Joint Research Centre warned that these trends present significant challenges, including strained public budgets, potential labour shortages, and increased pressure on education and care systems. EU officials emphasized the need to boost productivity and lower unemployment to mitigate the impact of a smaller workforce. Currently, roughly 20 percent of working-age Europeans remain outside the labour force, and approximately eight million young people are not engaged in employment, education, or training.
Despite the challenges, the report highlights the potential of the "silver economy," representing a growing market for goods and services tailored to older citizens. READ ALSO: REVEALED – The countries in Europe that will buck the trend and grow in population. While migration may assist in offsetting some demographic effects, researchers concluded that it will have a limited impact on fully addressing the challenges of an ageing population in Europe's demographic landscape. Commissioner Suica stated that the bloc must act now to transform these demographic shifts into opportunities.
