According to Eurostat, the population of the EU was 451.4 million at the beginning of 2023, which was an increase of nearly five million from the previous year. This was mainly due to a large number of Ukrainian refugees entering the EU after Russia invaded their country. Additionally, there was some recovery after the mortality rate increased during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.
Eurostat predicts that the number of EU inhabitants will continue to grow for a few more years and peak at 453 million in 2026. However, the population will then become less dense, decreasing to 420 million in 2100, which is approximately 7% less than the current number. Furthermore, the population will age, with those over 80 years old potentially representing 15% of the total population by the end of the century compared to 6% in 2023.
Belgium is an exception to the European average, as its population is expected to increase by 7% from 11.7 million to 12.5 million, according to Eurostat.
At the beginning of 2023, the Union had, according to Eurostat, 451.4 million inhabitants. This was nearly five million more than a year earlier due to a “massive influx of Ukrainian refugees into the EU” after Russia invaded their country. A certain “recovery” was also seen after the increase in mortality observed during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.
According to Eurostat forecasts, the number of inhabitants in the EU will grow for a few more years, reaching its peak of 453 million in 2026. The population will then become less dense, reaching only 420 million people in 2100, about 7% less than today. If they will be fewer in number, they will also be older. Those over 80 could represent 15% of the total population at the end of the century, compared to 6% in 2023.
Belgium does not follow the European average, since according to Eurostat, its population will then be 12.5 million people, against 11.7 today, an increase of 7%.
The population of the European Union is set to see significant changes in the coming years, with shifting demographics and fluctuations in immigration rates. While the number of inhabitants is predicted to reach a peak in 2026, it will subsequently decline and become less dense. Additionally, the population will become older, with a significant increase in individuals over the age of 80 by the end of the century. These changes will vary from country to country, with Belgium expected to see a notable increase in population. It will be fascinating to observe how these demographic trends continue to evolve and impact the EU in the years to come.