Brussels, Belgium. Births across the European Union declined in 2024, according to Eurostat, with Cyprus recording a total fertility rate slightly above the EU average. Eurostat said the EU fertility rate fell to its lowest level since 2001.
EU births and fertility trends
Eurostat’s latest demographic data showed 3.55 million babies were born in the EU in 2024, down from 3.67 million in 2023. The change represented a 3.3 per cent decrease in births across the bloc.
The EU total fertility rate stood at 1.34 live births per woman in 2024, down from 1.38 in 2023. Eurostat said the 2024 figure was the lowest level recorded since 2001, the first year for which an EU-wide value is available.
Cyprus, Greece and Turkey figures
In Cyprus, the total fertility rate in 2024 stood at 1.38 live births per woman, slightly above the EU average for the year. In neighbouring Greece, the rate was 1.24 live births per woman.
Beyond the EU, Turkey recorded a fertility rate of 1.48 live births per woman in 2024.
Highest fertility rates in the EU
Bulgaria recorded the highest total fertility rate in the EU at 1.72 live births per woman. France followed at 1.61, while Slovenia ranked third with 1.52.
How do you think declining birth rates could affect your country in the coming years?
