According to data, in 2024, 41 percent of children in the European Union were born to unmarried parents. This indicator exceeded 50 percent in seven EU countries. This was reported by Eurostat.
The highest rates were recorded in Bulgaria (62 percent), France (60 percent), and Portugal (59 percent).
The lowest rates were observed in Greece (10 percent), Hungary (24 percent), and Croatia (26 percent).
Between 2004 and 2024, the number of births outside marriage increased in 18 countries and decreased in only four.
As of January 1, 2025, the population of the European Union reached 451 million people. This is nearly 1 million more than the previous year.
The largest population resides in Germany — 84 million people. This accounts for 19 percent of the total EU population. Also, the following are among the large countries:
— France — 69 million
— Italy — 59 million
— Spain — 49 million
— Poland — 36 million
These five countries account for 66 percent of the total European population.
According to data, the average age of the EU population increased from 39.6 years in 2005 to 44.9 years in 2025. The highest average age was in Italy — 49.1 years, and the lowest average age was in Ireland — 39.6 years.
According to experts, this situation is related to demographic changes in Europe, a decrease in the number of marriages, and an aging population.
In 2024, approximately 1.7 million marriages were registered in EU countries. The highest marriage rates were observed in Latvia, Romania, and Austria.
The number of divorces amounted to approximately 0.7 million. The highest divorce rates were recorded in Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden.
