EU population projections

Lastly, according to Eurostat’s population projections, the EU population is expected to fall by 6 % by 2100 (baseline scenario). Reducing or stopping immigration would lead to an even more drastic population decline by 2100 (17 % or 33 %, respectively) (see Figure 12). The old age dependency ratio is also expected to further deteriorate in the EU, rising from 33 % in 2022 to almost 60 % by 2100 (that is, to fewer than two working age adults for each elderly person). Reducing or stopping immigration would lead to a higher old age dependency ratio by 2100 (70 % and 62 % respectively). It is believed that legal immigration can help alleviate some of the EU’s demographic challenges, though this contribution should not be overstated