EU population to peak in 2029
Analysis based on 10 articles · First reported Jul 14, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026
The report signals long-term structural challenges for EU economies, including potential labor shortages and increased fiscal pressure from aging populations. Sectors like healthcare, pensions, and automation may see increased investment, while consumer markets may shift toward older demographics.
The European Union's European Union — Joint Research Centre published a report on July 14, 2026, projecting that the EU population will peak at 453.3 million in 2029 before declining to 398.8 million by 2100, a drop of 11.7%. Life expectancy at birth reached 81.5 years in 2024 and could exceed 90 years for women and 86 for men by 2100. By 2050, nearly one in three EU residents will be aged 65 or older. The fertility rate fell to 1.34 children per woman in 2024, well below the replacement level of 2.1. EU Commissioner Dubravka Suica stated that migration is a necessity but cannot fully solve the challenges of an aging population. The report highlights labor shortages, strained public budgets, and pressure on care and education systems, while also noting the rise of the 'silver economy'. The EU emphasizes the need to boost productivity and reduce unemployment to offset a shrinking workforce.
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