Greece faces birthrate crisis as 2022 sees record low births
- Greece recorded its lowest number of births in 2022, driven by economic challenges and changing youth attitudes.
- The government has proposed measures such as childcare benefits and tax breaks to encourage higher birthrates.
- Experts believe that financial incentives alone will not solve the demographic crisis, emphasizing the need for broader systemic changes.
Greece is facing a significant demographic challenge, having recorded its lowest number of births in 2022. This alarming trend is attributed to a combination of factors, including a prolonged economic crisis, high emigration rates, and shifting attitudes among the younger population. In response, the Greek government has proposed a series of measures aimed at reversing this decline, including childcare benefits, tax breaks for new parents, and increased minimum wages starting in 2025. Despite these initiatives, experts express skepticism regarding their potential effectiveness. Deputy Finance Minister Thanos Petralias emphasized that financial incentives alone will not resolve the underlying issues. He highlighted the necessity for improvements in education, healthcare, and work-life balance to create a more conducive environment for families. The government currently allocates around one billion euros annually to pro-child measures, yet the results have been disappointing, mirroring trends seen in other European nations like France and Italy, which have also struggled to boost birthrates despite substantial investments. Future plans include affordable housing for young people, financial support for assisted reproduction, and strategies to integrate migrants into the workforce. However, experts like Byron Kotzamanis warn that without a fundamental shift in policy to encourage young people to stay in Greece and attract those who have emigrated, the demographic crisis is unlikely to improve significantly.