COMPARISON OF FERTILITY TRENDS OVER THE LAST FIVE DECADES IN EUROPE

Over the decades spanning from 1960 to 2019, fertility indicators show decline in number of children born per woman and increasing mean age at birth, while an aging process is ongoing in developed countries. Countries around the world have implemented diverse fertility policies in response to shifting demographic trends and societal dynamics. The 1960s marked a period where nations with varying fertility rates, such as Ireland with relatively high rates, emphasized pro-natalist policies and supportive socio-economic measures to encourage family formation, including financial incentives, accessible childcare services, and parental leave policies. As the years progressed into the 1970s and 1980s, fertility rates continued to fluctuate, prompting countries to maintain pro-natalist policies despite facing challenges such as economic instability and urbanization. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, nations like Ireland sustained supportive fertility policies, while others focused on comprehensive strategies to address demographic challenges, including efforts to challenge societal norms around family size and work-life balance. In the most recent period from 2010 to 2019, countries like France adapted their fertility policies to emphasize financial incentives, parental leave, healthcare access, and family planning education. However, persistent disparities in fertility rates underscore the need for tailored and comprehensive policies that address the unique socio-economic, cultural, and policy factors influencing reproductive decisions in each country, ultimately striving towards achieving sustainable population growth and societal well-being. The analysis of fertility rates and policies among European Union countries reveals a complex interplay of factors influencing population dynamics. Financial incentives, accessible healthcare, family support programs, and work-life balance policies emerge as key elements in fostering environments conducive to family formation. Recommendations for effective policies include prioritizing comprehensive strategies, challenging societal norms, and investing in research to inform evidence-based policymaking and promote population well-being in the face of demographic challenges.