Europe is aging rapidly: Cyprus predicted to lose a third of its population by the end of the century

The European Union is facing a large-scale demographic crisis. According to Eurostat projections, the EU population will peak at 453 million as early as 2026, after which it will begin to gradually decline. Without migration, by 2075 the EU could lose one in four residents, and by 2100 — one in three.

Cyprus will be one of the countries most affected by demographic decline. Experts estimate that by the end of the century, the island's population could shrink by about 33% compared to 2025 levels. A similar trend is expected in Greece. The most serious losses are projected for Italy, Spain, and Malta.

Specialists attribute the crisis to low birth rates, high cost of living, changing family patterns, and an aging population. The report notes that even a possible expansion of the EU will not be able to completely stop the demographic decline, although migration partially compensates for labor shortages.

In Cyprus, according to analysts, a comprehensive demographic strategy is still lacking. To maintain a stable population, the fertility rate should be at least 2.1 children per woman, but current figures remain significantly lower.

Authorities have already raised the income threshold for receiving family benefits and are discussing additional measures to support large families. Proposed initiatives include increasing birth subsidies, developing a network of kindergartens and full-day schools, improving working conditions for parents, and expanding affordable housing programs.

Special attention is being paid to the repatriation of the Cypriot diaspora and attracting qualified specialists back to the island.

Experts warn that without a long-term strategy, an aging population could worsen labor shortages, increase pressure on the healthcare and social security systems, and slow economic growth both in Cyprus and across Europe as a whole.