The Institute of Demographic Research and Studies in Greece proposes interventions to mitigate the demographic crisis by reducing the cost of raising children and improving the alignment of family and professional life.
The Institute of Demographic Research and Studies (IDEM) in Greece has raised alarms regarding the ongoing demographic collapse, citing a significant decline in birth rates over the past two decades. Current policies, which primarily focus on brief financial incentives and lack comprehensive planning, have failed to reverse the declining fertility rates among younger generations, leading to a stark decrease in births from 117,000 in 2007-2008 to fewer than 65,500 expected in 2025. This situation is underscored by a fertility rate of just 1.45 children per woman, a figure considered insufficient to maintain the population.
IDEM's researchers emphasize that targeted support for women aged 25 to 44, who contribute 90% of births, is crucial for addressing this demographic issue. They propose seven actionable strategies to create a more supportive environment for families, including reducing the costs associated with child-rearing, improving housing conditions, and fostering a better balance between family and work commitments. These measures are essential to enhance the attractiveness of parenthood and encourage couples to have more children.
Without substantial and effective interventions, Greece's demographic challenges are expected to worsen, with potential implications for the country's economic stability and social structure. The urgency for a holistic policy approach that integrates fertility support with socio-economic factors is reiterated, prompting a call for policymakers to rethink current strategies to avert a deeper demographic crisis in the future.
