Understanding Europe’s demographic shifts: new insights from Eurostat and the Rural Observatory
Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, has released the 2025 edition of its interactive publication ‘Demography of Europe’, offering a comprehensive, data-rich view on how Europe’s population is changing — and what it means for communities across regions and territories.
Image by valiantsin supronovich on Canva
The tool provides accessible visual insights on population size and structure, life expectancy and ageing, as well as international migration, with comparisons available at EU, Member State and regional levels. The data confirm ongoing trends such as declining birth rates and increasing longevity, and diverse migration patterns, all of which are transforming local economies, labour markets, and service provision.
Complementing this analysis, the Rural Observatory interactive story ‘Rural regions at the forefront of demographic change’ offers a deeper look at how these demographic transitions play out across Europe’s rural areas – identifying both the challenges and innovative responses emerging on the ground.
Together, these tools provide valuable evidence for regional and local policymakers, researchers, and community leaders working to design data-informed, place-based strategies that better anticipate demographic challenges to sustain vibrant and inclusive rural communities.
Connect and exchange with peers on the topic – join the online Community group on rural depopulation and repopulation.