Greece is currently grappling with a severe demographic crisis, marked by the lowest population reproduction rate in Europe. The situation has become increasingly alarming as the number of deaths surpasses that of births.
A decade ago, in 2010, Greece recorded 114,766 births while witnessing 109,084 deaths. However, the numbers have undergone a drastic shift over the years. In 2020, the country reported a mere 84,717 births, coupled with a staggering 131,084 deaths. This alarming trend has resulted in a significant decline in the population.
With a reproduction rate of 1.3 children per woman, Greece now holds one of the lowest rates in the world. This figure falls well below the stability limit of 2.1 children per woman. Professor Nektarios Miltiadis, the head of the research group on "healthy and active aging in Greece" at the University of Piraeus, highlighted these startling statistics during a speech at an event organized by the Medical Association of Thessaloniki.
During his address, Miltiadis emphasized the urgency of addressing the consequences of Greece's demographic crisis. To tackle this issue, he proposed boosting the employment of working women, young individuals below the age of twenty-five, and even pensioners. Encouraging older individuals to work would help mitigate the economic challenges posed by a shrinking workforce.
Miltiadis also shed light on the fact that the aging population predicament is not unique to Greece but affects both developed and developing nations worldwide. Factors such as advancements in medicine, improved living conditions, and healthier lifestyles have contributed to increased life expectancy. However, these advancements present challenges as societies now grapple with an aging population alongside a declining birth rate, as evident in Greece's demographic crisis.
While immigration could be considered a potential remedy, Professor Miltiadis acknowledged the associated social issues, emphasizing the need for a systematic approach that takes into account the geopolitical developments over the next three decades.
Looking ahead, the future demographic forecast for Greece appears alarming. The country has been grappling with this specific issue for several decades, with declining fertility indicators observed since 1940, stemming from past generations. Faye Makandasis, the research director at diaNEOSis, expressed concern regarding the current conditions and factors, forecasting a potential population reduction of half if left unaddressed.
One of the factors contributing to the decline in fertility and Greece's demographic crisis, as highlighted by Makandasis, is the postponement of childbearing. Greek women, on average, give birth to their first child at the age of 30.3 years.
Drawing inspiration from successful approaches in countries like Sweden and France, experts propose measures to support young couples socially, professionally, and economically for boosting fertility rates. These measures could include flexible parental leave policies and financial incentives for having children.
To counter the demographic crisis, the National Center for Social Research (EKKE) has put forth several proposals. These include strengthening child allowances, providing premiums for mothers under thirty, and encouraging active involvement of fathers in childcare. Additionally, experts recommend expanding childcare facilities and introducing the concept of assistant mothers to address the pressing concerns.
