The European Union’s population reached approximately 452 million as of January 1, 2026, marking five consecutive years of growth, according to data released by Eurostat. While the total headcount increased by roughly 706,000 compared to the previous year, this upward trend is driven primarily by net migration rather than natural population growth, as deaths continue to outpace births across the bloc.
Drivers of EU Demographic Shifts
The EU’s demographic profile has undergone a significant transformation over the last several decades. Data from Eurostat indicates that the population has grown by 16 million since 2006 and by eight million since 2016. However, the rate of this expansion has slowed considerably. In the 1960s, the EU population grew by an average of 2.9 million people annually; by the 2010s, that average dropped to 0.6 million per year.
The core factor currently sustaining growth is immigration. The "natural change"—the difference between births and deaths—remains negative.
Two-thirds of the total EU population is concentrated in just five countries: Germany (18.5%), France (15.3%), Italy (13%), Spain (11%), and Poland (8%).
Regional Disparities in Population Trends
Population growth is not evenly distributed across the continent. Between January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026, only 16 of the EU’s member states saw an increase in their population counts. The growth patterns reveal a stark divide between nations attracting new residents and those facing steady declines.
The highest growth rates per 1,000 inhabitants were recorded in:
- Malta: 24.1 per 1,000
- Cyprus: 13.7 per 1,000
- Luxembourg: 13.1 per 1,000
Conversely, several nations recorded significant population contractions. The largest declines occurred in Latvia (8.3 per 1,000), Estonia (6.8 per 1,000), and Hungary (5.4 per 1,000). According to the Eurostat report, Hungary’s population fell to 9,488,428 as of January 1, 2026, down from 9,539,502 the previous year.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The recent growth follows a period of decline during the 2020 and 2021 pandemic years, which saw disruptions in migration patterns and shifts in mortality rates. While the current trajectory shows a recovery, the long-term historical view—from 354.5 million in 1960 to 451.9 million in 2026—highlights a maturation of the European demographic landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the EU population growing despite low birth rates?
The EU population is growing primarily due to net migration. While the number of deaths exceeds the number of births (a negative natural change), immigration levels are currently high enough to offset this deficit.
Which countries saw the largest population decline?
According to the latest Eurostat figures, Latvia, Estonia, and Hungary experienced the most significant population decreases per 1,000 inhabitants.
How does the current growth rate compare to the 1960s?
The growth rate has slowed significantly. In the 1960s, the EU population grew by an average of 2.9 million people annually, compared to an average of 0.6 million people annually during the 2010s.
Is the EU population projected to keep growing?
While the population has grown for five consecutive years, Eurostat data shows a long-term trend of slowing growth, heavily reliant on migration to counter negative natural change.
Are you interested in how these demographic shifts affect local economies or housing markets? Subscribe to our newsletter for deep dives into European socioeconomic trends.
Keep reading
