European Union population growing older: Median age rises to 44.9
According to the latest figures released by Eurostat, half of the EU’s population is now older than 44.9 years, while the other half is younger—highlighting the steady demographic shift across the bloc.
Ireland Youngest, Italy Oldest
Median age varies considerably among Member States:
- Ireland recorded the lowest median age at 39.6.
- Italy reported the highest median age at 49.1.
Over the past ten years, the EU-wide median age increased by 2.1 years. While nearly all Member States experienced demographic ageing, only Germany and Malta recorded slight declines of 0.4 years.
The sharpest ageing trend was observed in Slovakia, where the median age increased by 4 years. Significant rises were also recorded in:
- Italy (+3.9 years)
- Greece (+3.8 years)
- Poland (+3.8 years)
- Portugal (+3.7 years)
- Türkiye Emerges as Europe’s Youngest Country
In contrast, Türkiye’s median age was recorded at 34.4, positioning it as the youngest country in Europe in demographic terms.
The widening age gap between the EU and neighboring countries underscores broader challenges related to workforce sustainability, pension systems, healthcare demand, and long-term economic growth across the continent.
