European Union Birth Rates Hit Record Low In 2024

Declining Demographics Signal New Challenges

The latest demographic data from Eurostat indicates that the European Union has recorded its lowest birth rates since 2001. In 2024, the union witnessed 3.55 million live births, marking a 3.3% decline compared to the previous year’s 3.67 million births. This trend underscores persistent demographic challenges that are reshaping the region’s socioeconomic landscape.

Fertility Rates And Regional Variations

The overall EU total fertility rate dropped to 1.34 live births per woman in 2024, down from 1.38 the year before. Notably, Cyprus managed to post a slightly above average rate with 1.38 live births per woman. In contrast, countries like Greece are grappling with more severe declines, recording a rate of 1.24 live births per woman. These figures reflect varied regional pressures and highlight how countries across Southern and Eastern Europe are confronting similar demographic headwinds.

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Comparative Insights Across Europe And Beyond

Outside the core EU nations, Turkey reported a fertility rate of 1.48 live births per woman. Within the union, Bulgaria led with the highest fertility rate at 1.72 live births per woman, followed by France at 1.61 and Slovenia at 1.52. Conversely, Malta’s fertility rate plummeted to a low of 1.01, with Spain and Lithuania following close behind at 1.10 and 1.11, respectively. These disparities emphasize the need for targeted policy responses to address the long-term implications of declining birth rates.

Implications For The Future

The sustained decrease in fertility rates, now well below the replacement level needed to maintain a stable population, presents complex challenges for the EU. Policymakers and business leaders alike must consider the far-reaching economic and social consequences of an aging population paired with declining birth rates. Strategic investments in innovation, healthcare, and labor market reforms will be critical to mitigating these challenges and ensuring sustainable growth in the years ahead.

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Eurobank Wins Two Euromoney Awards Following Cyprus Merger

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2026

Eurobank has been named Cyprus’ Best Bank for 2026 by Euromoney, while also receiving the award for Best Bank for Large Corporates at the publication’s latest Awards for Excellence.

Merger Marks A Milestone

The awards recognise the bank’s performance during 2025, a year marked by the completion of the legal merger between Hellenic Bank and Eurobank Cyprus. The transaction created Eurobank Limited, which the group says is now Cyprus’ largest banking and insurance organisation, with assets exceeding €28 billion.

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Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence evaluate banks’ performance over the previous calendar year, with this edition covering January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Lending, Customers And Digital Growth

Eurobank said its business lending portfolio expanded by around 17 per cent during 2025, while its customer base grew to more than 710,000 retail clients and 11,500 business customers.

The bank also continued its digital expansion, saying more than 96 per cent of transactions are now completed through digital channels, and most financing applications are submitted via its mobile app.

Expanding International Presence

Eurobank also highlighted the opening of its first representative office in India, describing the move as a step toward strengthening business links between Cyprus and India while supporting Cyprus’ role as a gateway to the European Union for Indian businesses and investors.

According to the bank, Euromoney recognised not only the successful completion of the merger but also its lending growth, digital transformation and contribution to Cyprus’ position as an international business and investment hub.

CEO On The Awards

“The Euromoney awards confirm Eurobank’s strong momentum and the successful implementation of our group’s strategy in Cyprus,” Chief Executive Michalis Louis said.

He said the merger strengthened the bank’s ability to support households, businesses and the wider economy, while highlighting continued investment in digital services and the opening of the representative office in India as key milestones during the year.

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