Experts sound the alarm on Greece’s demographic crisis – Declining fertility and population rates
Greece, like many developed and developing nations, is facing a severe demographic decline. For years, the gravity of this issue has not been fully recognized, and policies have often exacerbated the problem rather than alleviating it. Now, the warning bells are ringing louder than ever.
Declining Birth Rates and an Aging Population
Demographic indicators in Greece have worsened significantly, with low birth rates and an increasing life expectancy shifting the country's population structure. The aging population presents challenges such as a shrinking workforce and an increasing strain on the country’s pension system, as the number of retirees continues to rise.
Professor Nikos Karanikolas from the Department of Spatial Planning & Development at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki highlighted the urgency of the situation:
"The demographic issue is a serious problem because it transforms into a social crisis. When mainland Greece sees a 30% population decline in just one year, alarm bells should be ringing. Many areas are becoming deserted. Even in Athens, while the population is decreasing, people are moving to the suburbs. However, a sharp population decline is inevitable."
Historical Population Trends in Greece
Professor Karanikolas noted that since 1940, Greece has undergone significant urbanization and migration, previously maintaining a steady population increase due to high birth rates. However, the current reality is vastly different.
"Today, we are experiencing an unprecedented birth rate crisis. Greece has the second-lowest fertility rate in Europe and is among the lowest in the world. While the replacement rate should be 2.3 children per woman, we are currently at 1.3 children per woman," he explained.
Causes and Challenges
One of the primary causes of declining birth rates is economic hardship, but social changes also play a role. "We have transitioned from the traditional family to the modern and now to a postmodern family structure, where individual priorities and personal negotiations shape family dynamics," Professor Karanikolas added.
Recent statistics indicate that there were 50,000 more deaths than births in 2023, meaning Greece loses the equivalent of an entire town’s population every year.
Possible Solutions: Economic Incentives and Migration
While economic incentives can temporarily boost birth rates, their long-term effectiveness remains limited. The Scandinavian model—which supports families through financial aid, childcare, and work-life balance policies—may provide solutions, but requires long-term implementation.
Regarding immigration, Professor Karanikolas emphasized:
"To maintain population levels, we must either increase births or attract immigrants. In recent years, outward migration has slowed, while inward migration has increased. Approximately 120,000 immigrants entered Greece in 2023. To sustain our workforce and economy, we need to integrate skilled migrants into the labor market."
As Greece faces a demographic crossroads, policymakers must take decisive action to address this growing crisis before its long-term consequences become irreversible.
