The population of the European Union has reached a record 450.4 million people in 2024, marking a significant increase primarily driven by migration, according to data published by Eurostat.
Since 2012, the number of deaths in the EU has exceeded the number of births, making migration the sole source of demographic growth. Eurostat’s report notes that the EU added 1.07 million residents last year, thanks to a net positive migration of 2.3 million people, which offset the natural decrease of 1.3 million.
Additionally, the bloc recorded 4.82 million deaths compared to 3.56 million births. This trend highlights the demographic challenges facing Europe, where an aging population and low birth rates are placing growing pressure on social systems and the labor market, exacerbating workforce shortages.
France, Germany, and Italy remain the EU’s most populous member states, together accounting for 47% of the bloc’s total population.
Out of the 27 EU member states, 19 reported population growth, while 8 experienced declines. Malta recorded the highest population increase, with 19 people per 1,000 inhabitants, followed by Ireland (16.3) and Luxembourg (14.7).
On the other hand, Latvia saw the steepest decline at -9.9, followed by Hungary (-4.7), and Poland and Estonia, both with -3.4.
For comparison, the EU’s population in 1960 stood at 354.5 million.
