As the EU focuses on climate action, digital innovation, and defense, one critical issue remains in the shadows: Europe’s declining birth rate.

With fertility rates far below replacement levels in most member states, the continent faces a future of shrinking workforces, aging populations, and growing pressure on welfare systems. While some national governments are taking action, this is no longer just a local issue — it demands a coordinated European response.

Demographic sustainability should be at the heart of EU policy: through funding for families, investment in childcare and housing, and support for work-life balance. Ensuring that young Europeans can afford to start families isn’t just a social priority — it’s a strategic imperative for Europe’s long-term future.

The birth rate is no longer a background concern. It’s a central challenge — and the time to act is now.