European Union
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
In 2023, the the EU marked a continued decline in its total maternal rate, dropping to 66.5%, the lowest globally and down from 2022. At the same time, the lifetime childlessness rate climbed to 33.5%, reaching its highest level in recent years and signaling significant demographic shifts within the region.
- The total fertility rate remained stable near 2.10 children per woman, close to the 2010s average, despite ongoing declines in maternal rates.
- Average maternal age at birth rose slightly to 30.3 years, maintaining its upward trend over the past five years but still the lowest worldwide.
- The childlessness rate increased by 2.9 percentage points since 2022, now substantially above the 2010s baseline, indicating more women remain childfree.
- Family size distribution shows modest growth in mothers having only one child, while those with two children slightly declined compared to the previous decade.
In 2023, the European Union recorded its lowest total maternal rate and average maternal age globally, continuing downward fertility trends from the past decade.
- Lowest total maternal rate globally at 66.5%, declining over five years
- Average maternal age steady at 30.3 years, lowest worldwide
- Lifetime childlessness rate rising, yet lowest globally at 33.5%
- Fertility expected to halve by 2080 without migration
- Societal Half-Life shortest globally, now 57.2 years
Key fertility indicators — The The European Union
| Total Maternal Rate (TMR) | 66.5% |
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 33.5% |
| Average Maternal Age (AMA) | 30.3 years |
| Birthgap Indicator (TFG) | 32.4% |
| Societal Half-Life (SHL) | 57.2 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 31 |
| Total births (latest year) | 3,698,076 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
In 2023, the total maternal rate (TMR) for the the EU stands at 66.5%, showing a decrease of 2.9 percentage points from 2022. This decline is part of a downward trend observed over the past five years, with the average TMR between 2019 and 2023 at 69.9%. When compared to the average during the 2010s, which was 73.2%, the current rate is lower by approximately 6.7 percentage points. Among all countries globally, the the EU holds the lowest TMR, ranking 38th out of 38.
No data found for country code xxx.
Children per mother (CPM)
The number of children per mother in the the EU stood at 2.10 in 2023, showing little change compared to 2022. Over the last five years, this figure has remained fairly steady, averaging 2.12. When compared to the 2010s baseline of 2.10, the current rate remains close to this longer-term average.
No data found for country code xxx.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age (AMA) at birth in 2023 stands at 30.3 years, showing little change from 2022. During the last five years, there has been a gradual increase, with the average rising to 30.1 years over this period. This figure is 0.8 years above the average experienced throughout the 2010s. Among global regions, the the EU records the lowest average maternal age, ranking 38th out of 38.
No data found for country code xxx.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
The Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) for 2023 stands at 32.4%, which corresponds to a total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.40. This marks an increase of 3.0 percentage points from 2022. Looking at the period from 2019 to 2023, the TFG has been on an upward trend, averaging 28.4%. Compared to the average in the 2010s, which was 25.6%, the indicator has grown by approximately 6.8 percentage points. Among 38 countries worldwide, the the EU holds the lowest TFG level, ranking last.
No data found for country code xxx.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
In 2023, the EU’s Societal Half-Life (SHL) is 57.2 years. It has decreased by 6.9 years compared with 2022. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 67.1 years. Compared with the 2010s average (73.7 years), SHL is now shorter by about 16.5 years.
Globally, the EU has the shortest Societal Half-Life (ranked 38/38).
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in the EU, there would be 31 great-grandchildren, representing a -69.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, the EU has the lowest TGI drop (ranked 38/38).
Birth trajectory
Starting from the birth numbers recorded in 2023, the total number of births is projected to decline significantly over the coming centuries, assuming no migration occurs. By 2080, births are expected to decrease by 50%, dropping from 3,698,076 to approximately 1,849,038. Looking further ahead, the number of births is estimated to reduce by 75% by 2137. Eventually, by 2213, births are projected to plummet by 90%, reaching only 369,808.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
The lifetime childlessness rate (TCR) in the the EU reached 33.5% in 2023, marking an increase of 2.9 percentage points from 2022. Over the past five years, the TCR has shown a rising trend, averaging 30.1% during 2019–2023. Compared with the average rate during the 2010s, which was 26.8%, the current figure is approximately 6.7 percentage points higher. Among all countries globally, the the EU has the lowest childlessness rate, ranking 38th out of 38.
No data found for country code xxx.
Total births
The the EU saw 3,698,076 total births in 2023, marking a decrease of 169,743 compared to 2022. Throughout the last five years, annual births have been declining, averaging 3,978,081 each year. When contrasted with the 2010s average of 4,298,558, the number of births has dropped by 600,482, representing a 14.0% reduction.
No data found for country code xxx.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
The the EU's Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) reached 41.7% in 2023, marking a 2.1 percentage point increase from 2022. Over the five years from 2019 to 2023, the BRI has steadily risen, averaging 38.4%. This represents a significant rise compared to the 2010s average of 34.3%, with the current value exceeding that by approximately 7.4 percentage points. On the global scale, the EU has the lowest BRI value, ranking last among 35 entities.
No data found for country code xxx.