Europe's Population Decline Accelerates Amid Anti-Immigration Politics

Germany is facing a severe demographic crisis, with more deaths than births since 1972, leading to a rapidly aging population and significant social and economic challenges, including a shortage of skilled workers and potential collapse of social systems. As the birthrate declines, societal values are shifting away from traditional family structures, further exacerbating the issue. In contrast, countries like Spain have adopted more open immigration policies, resulting in economic growth and a more favorable demographic outlook. Experts warn that without increased immigration, Europe’s population could decline by over a third by 2100, creating greater economic burdens from pensions and healthcare for an aging population. The rise of far-right political parties threatens to restrict immigration further, contradicting the consensus among many politicians that immigration is necessary to alleviate demographic pressures. Projections indicate that without immigration, Europe's population could fall to 295 million by 2100, compared to a more manageable decline of 6% with regular immigration.