Greece’s Population Decline: An Existential Challenge

Greece Faces a New Emergency: Population Decline

Six years after Greece officially exited its financial bailout programs, marking the end of a harrowing economic crisis, the nation now finds itself grappling with a different kind of emergency that threatens to reshape its social and economic landscape: population decline. Projections indicate that by 2070, Greece’s population could decrease by as much as 25%, significantly exceeding the EU average decline of 4%.

In 2022, the country recorded fewer than 77,000 births, the lowest number in nearly a century, while deaths climbed to nearly double that figure, reaching approximately 140,000. As of now, there are no signs that this troubling trend will change in the near future. “The demographic collapse is literally becoming an existential challenge for our future,” warned Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Economic Exodus

The latest population census, conducted in 2021, revealed a 3.1% drop in the overall population over the past decade, bringing the total to under 10.5 million people. This decline closely aligns with the economic crisis that gripped the nation, which led to the emigration of around half a million Greeks, particularly among the youth and educated demographics.

In some isolated villages, only the elderly remain, highlighting the stark consequences of this outmigration. Those who chose to stay in Greece continue to face a labor market characterized by high unemployment rates and stagnant wages, making it increasingly challenging to secure stable careers and establish families.

On the island of Chios, home to approximately 50,000 residents in the Northern Aegean Sea, Euronews spoke with Mary and Nikos, a couple in their early thirties who emigrated to the United States two years ago, returning only occasionally for vacations. They reflected on their choice to leave Greece, citing economic hardships as the primary driver of their decision.

“If you have to work 10 to 12 hours a day and not earn as much money as you want, how can you buy a house? And how can you raise a family? You can’t,” Mary expressed. Nikos echoed her sentiments, emphasizing that despite their love for Greece, they cannot envision returning, even if conditions improve.

Chios has a long history of emigration, with numerous generations seeking opportunities abroad. Today, it is not uncommon to see deserted villages populated only by a few elderly residents, particularly in the northern regions of the island.

Low Fertility and Longer Lives

This demographic shift serves as a stark reminder of Greece’s trajectory, as low fertility rates (currently at 1.32 births per woman) combined with increasing life expectancy contribute to a shrinking and aging population. Economists foresee dire consequences for Greece if the population continues to dwindle at the current rate.

Greek economist Nikos Vettas underscores the economic repercussions of this demographic trend, which places additional strain on Greece’s pension system and healthcare services. “The main problem is that you are going to have a smaller number of people who are working. And now these people will have to support a large population of older individuals,” he stated. However, Vettas also suggests that certain measures can be implemented to alleviate the issue: “We need to enhance productivity in the country, incorporate technology, and encourage the inflow of immigrants, particularly in high productivity sectors.”

Recognizing the urgency of the demographic crisis, the Greek government established its first-ever ministry specifically dedicated to addressing this challenge in 2023. Led by Sofia Zacharaki, the ministry has rolled out a series of initiatives, including tax incentives and increased state allowances for newborns, with the hope of boosting birth rates. While Zacharaki acknowledges that these measures alone will not resolve the issue, she emphasizes that they represent a crucial step toward tackling “the biggest threat that Greece is facing.”

Click on the video to watch Bryan’s report in full.