Greece faces deepening demographic decline
Greece’s demographic decline is emerging as one of its most serious long-term challenges, with the country ageing faster than most of its European Union peers and recording persistently low levels of population renewal.
Data published by Eurostat in its Demography of Europe 2026 report show that Greece is facing growing pressure on its workforce, pension system and broader social services.
Greece among EU’s oldest populations
Greece had a median age of 47.2 years on January 1, 2025, making it the fourth-oldest country in the EU.
Only Italy, Bulgaria and Portugal had older populations, while the EU average stood at 44.9 years.
The pace of ageing has been particularly pronounced. Greece’s median age rose by eight years between 2005 and 2025, from 39.2 to 47.2 years. That was the third-largest increase in the EU during the period, behind Romania and Portugal.
The shift points to a shrinking working-age population and a growing imbalance between those contributing to pension and social security systems and those receiving benefits.
More Greeks are living into their 80s
The proportion of Greeks aged 80 and above has reached about 7% of the population, placing Greece alongside Germany and Portugal among the EU countries with the largest shares of very elderly residents.
The share has increased by three percentage points over the past two decades.
Longer life expectancy reflects improvements in healthcare and living standards, but the combination of an ageing population and low birth rates is creating additional demand for healthcare, elderly care and social support.
Fewer children deepen the imbalance
Children under the age of 15 now account for only about 12% to 13% of Greece’s population.
The widening gap between the elderly and younger generations is reshaping the country’s demographic structure and raising concerns about future economic growth.
A smaller working-age population could mean labour shortages, weaker economic potential and greater pressure on public finances, particularly as the number of pensioners increases.
Policy challenge grows
The latest figures reinforce warnings that Greece will need sustained action to address its demographic decline.
Higher birth rates, greater workforce participation and immigration could help offset the shrinking population of working age, but reversing the trend will require long-term policies.
Without significant changes, Greece is likely to face increasing pressure on its labour market, pension system and public services as its population continues to age.
Source:tovima
