Brussels, 14 July (LaPresse) – With a current population of 450.6 million, the European Union’s population is expected to fall to around 445 million by 2050 and to 398.8 million by 2100, representing an overall decline of around 11.7 per cent, returning to the levels recorded in the 1970s. This is according to an EU report, drawn up by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), which confirms that the European population has now reached its peak. At the same time, Europeans are living longer than ever before. Life expectancy at birth reached 81.5 years in 2024, reflecting progress in healthcare, better living conditions and social improvements. By 2050, almost one in three people in the EU will be aged 65 or over, compared with one in five today, whilst by 2100 life expectancy could exceed 90 years for women and 86 years for men. A child born in the EU in 2023 can also expect to live up to 75.3 years in good health, free from serious illness. According to the European Commission, these trends pose significant challenges, including labour shortages, pressure on public finances, as well as on care, education and training systems and territorial cohesion. At the same time, however, these changes also offer new opportunities. One example is the so-called ‘longevity economy’, which is opening up new markets for products, services and innovations designed specifically for the ageing population, creating new opportunities for economic growth and employment. This phenomenon can also stimulate innovation in the healthcare, technology and financial services sectors.
EU population set to fall to 398.8 million by 2100
Brussels, 14 July (LaPresse) – With a current population of 450.6 million, the European Union’s population is expected to fall to around 445 million by 2050 and to 398.8 million by 2100, representing an overall decline of around 11.7 per cent, returning to the levels recorded in the 1970s. This is according to an EU report, drawn up by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), which confirms that the European population has now reached its peak. At the same time, Europeans are living longer than ever before. Life expectancy at birth reached 81.5 years in 2024, reflecting progress in healthcare, better living conditions and social improvements. By 2050, almost one in three people in the EU will be aged 65 or over, compared with one in five today, whilst by 2100 life expectancy could exceed 90 years for women and 86 years for men. A child born in the EU in 2023 can also expect to live up to 75.3 years in good health, free from serious illness. According to the European Commission, these trends pose significant challenges, including labour shortages, pressure on public finances, as well as on care, education and training systems and territorial cohesion. At the same time, however, these changes also offer new opportunities. One example is the so-called ‘longevity economy’, which is opening up new markets for products, services and innovations designed specifically for the ageing population, creating new opportunities for economic growth and employment. This phenomenon can also stimulate innovation in the healthcare, technology and financial services sectors.
