Greece faces sharp population decline and ageing crisis by 2050

·

Greece is expected to lose 1.3 to 1.5 million people by 2050, with the population aging significantly, according to a study by the Institute for Demographic Research and Studies, led by Professor Vyronas Kotzamanis. According to protothema.gr, the most profound changes will affect two age groups: the working-age population (20–64) and those over 65.

The 20–64 group will shrink by about 1.7 million, mainly due to falling fertility rates across generations and a steady decline in births since 1980. This trend worsened in the past 15 years as the number of women of childbearing age dropped, and emigration—especially of young adults—outpaced immigration. Meanwhile, the 65+ population is growing, driven by past high birth rates and rising life expectancy. They are projected to exceed one-third of the population by 2050, up from 24% today.

Kotzamanis argues that maintaining Greece’s 2025 employment levels by 2050 is possible under two conditions: raising the employment rate of the 20–64 age group from 67% to 82%, especially among women and those aged 20–29 and 55–64, and achieving a positive migration balance of about 700,000. If both goals are met, the number of employed persons could remain stable at 4 million.

Still, even in this scenario, the ratio of workers to retirees will fall from 1.64 to 1.24, requiring broad policy responses. As Kotzamanis notes, national prosperity “does not only depend on the population of workers,” but also on the “quality” of human resources and other long-term factors.

Source: protothema.gr

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The Greek Herald finalists lead the way in 2025 Greek International Women Awards

The Greek Herald’s own Dimitra Skalkos and Andriana Simos are finalists in the 2025 Greek International Women Awards.

Football Victoria honours South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis

The new Football Victoria Chair Angela Williams paid tribute to former footballer and long-time South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis.

Greek Orthodox community in Liverpool raises $20,000 for McGrath Foundation

The spirit of faith, community and compassion was on full display at the “Splash of Pink” charity afternoon tea.

WWII-era rifle used in Croydon Park shooting sparks firearm law debate

A WWII-era M1 Carbine rifle has become the focus of investigations into the Croydon Park shooting. Read more here.

PASOK intensifies pressure for reopening of GNTO Office in Melbourne

Pressure on Greece's Ministry of Tourism to reopen the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) Office in Melbourne is intensifying.

You May Also Like

Australia and Greece mark Dormition of the Theotokos with worship and celebration

The Dormition of the Theotokos was marked on Friday, August 15, by Orthodox Christians across Australia and Greece.

National Archaeological Museum to present inaugural Greek War of Independence exhibition

An exhibit presenting Greek antiquities with 18th and 19th-century works will open at the National Archaeological Museum on February 11

Packed room at the 3rd Pallaconian Youth Arts & Culture Night

On Saturday, December 7, the Pallaconian Brotherhood of Melbourne held its 3rd Youth Arts & Culture Night.