Demographic Trends and Regional Disparities in the EU

Ana Milijić, Aleksandar Manasijević (), Dejan Đorđević, Vladislav Marjanović and Marina Stanojević
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Ana Milijić: Innovation Center, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia
Aleksandar Manasijević: Faculty of Economics, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia
Dejan Đorđević: Faculty of Economics, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia
Vladislav Marjanović: Faculty of Economics, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia
Marina Stanojević: Faculty of Economics, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-16

Abstract: This paper investigates the impact of demographic changes on regional disparities within the European Union. The analysis focuses on key demographic trends—population ageing, low fertility rates, and migration flows—and their long-term implications for labor markets, economic growth, and the sustainability of social systems across EU regions. Using Eurostat data for 169 NUTS2 regions for 2022 and 2023, the study applies descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression models to quantify the effects of life expectancy, fertility rates, and educational attainment on GDP growth and employment in knowledge-intensive and high-tech sectors. Findings indicate that regions with higher shares of highly educated labor and favorable demographic profiles tend to achieve greater economic resilience and competitiveness. In contrast, demographic decline and outmigration continue to deepen structural disparities, particularly in rural and less developed regions. The results underscore the importance of integrated EU policies aimed at addressing demographic challenges while promoting regional cohesion through investment in human capital, innovation, and infrastructure. By highlighting the critical role of demographic factors in shaping regional development, this study contributes to the discourse on designing effective policies to foster sustainable and inclusive growth within the European Union.

Keywords: demographic change; regional disparities; European Union; ageing population; fertility rates; migration; human capital; regional development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:9:p:556-:d:1751280

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