The European Union experienced a record 5.5% decline in births, with the 2023 birth rate being the lowest in a decade. Factors contributing to this decline include climate change concerns, the pandemic, and high inflation. Italy, Spain, Greece, Lithuania, and Latvia reported the lowest birth rates, while Italy had the lowest crude birth rate at 6.5 per 1,000 population. The OECD emphasizes the need for policy adaptations to address a low-fertility future and suggests proactive migration strategies. Delayed parenthood is leading to older average maternal ages, with significant implications for healthcare and social protection systems. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)