BRUSSELS — The population of the 27-nation European Union (EU) is projected to peak at 453.3 million in 2029, before entering a slow but steady decline over the following decades, according to a report published on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Currently, the EU population stands at approximately 450.6 million. The report forecasts a decrease to 398.8 million by 2100, marking an 11.7% drop to levels last seen in the 1970s.

The EU executive's Joint Research Centre noted that life expectancy at birth reached 81.5 years in 2024. By 2050, nearly one in three EU residents will be aged 65 or older, compared to one in five today. Life expectancy could exceed 90 years for women and 86 for men by 2100.

This demographic shift presents significant challenges for the EU's society and economy, including labour shortages, strained public budgets, and increased pressure on care and education systems. Currently, around 20% of working-age Europeans are outside the labour force, with about eight million young people neither employed nor engaged in education or training.

However, the report also highlights potential opportunities, such as a growing market for goods and services tailored to older citizens.

EU Commissioner Dubravka Suica stated, "But demographic change is reshaping our societies, our economies and our labour markets."

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