Greece faces sharp demographic decline: Population could fall by 1.7 million by 2060
The warning was raised during an international conference titled “Greece at a Demographic Crossroads,” held on the island of Ithaca, where researchers and policymakers discussed the country’s long-term population outlook.
Births vs Deaths Gap Widening
Demographic Research Institute Director Viron Kotzamanis highlighted that Greece is experiencing a steadily widening gap between birth and death rates.
He noted that under current projections, deaths will exceed births by around 60,000 annually by 2060, leading to a sustained population decline.
Kotzamanis also warned that one of the most critical structural challenges is the expected 35% reduction in the population of reproductive age, making any potential recovery in birth rates increasingly difficult.
Structural Economic and Social Impact
Experts at the conference stressed that the issue goes far beyond population numbers, describing it as a structural challenge affecting economic sustainability, labor markets, and the country’s long-term development model.
They emphasized that the impact is already more visible in rural areas and smaller islands, where population loss is more severe and services are increasingly strained.
Policy Proposals to Address Decline
Participants proposed a range of policy responses, including:
- Encouraging the return of skilled young workers who have emigrated abroad
- Strengthening healthcare and education infrastructure
- Expanding financial and social support for families and young parents
They also called for region-specific policies tailored to the needs of islands and rural communities.
The conference concluded with a call for coordinated, long-term demographic strategies at both national and European levels to address the structural nature of the crisis.
