Demographics, stupid!

Europe's population is shrinking steadily and steadily. The percentage of Europeans in relation to the world population is declining and, it is predicted, in 2070 it will be about 4 percent, compared to 6 percent today. Poland is, unfortunately, no exception in this regard.

According to the Central Statistical Office, in 2022 Poland saw the fewest births in the post-war period. As a country, we are thus facing an already real demographic crisis. The dramatic statistics became the starting point of the Demographic Strategy 2040 adopted by the government. In addition to the diagnosis, the making of which is self-explanatory and obvious to anyone who is not only deeply interested in demographic issues, but also to any average observer of social and sociological changes and trends, the government document sets out goals and directions of action to improve the situation.

State policy will therefore seek, among other things, to increase the satisfaction of housing needs, strengthen the family and family ties, remove barriers for parents who want to have children, or develop a parent-friendly labor market. These are all factors by means of which, as we see it, the state can also counteract the growing trend of the breakup of families and marriages that is taking place in our country, which also negatively affects demographics.

It should also not be overlooked that the last demographic peak in Poland took place in 1983. Today, women of that vintage are already in their 40s. So even with the introduction of all possible incentives and facilities, it is impossible to quickly reverse the negative trend. The effects of current pro-family policies may not be seen until the next generation.

All the more time must not be wasted in decisively implementing the tools listed in the government's strategy. Otherwise, we are facing a reduction in economic, investment attractiveness, a reduction in human, economic potential, as well as a reduction in cultural potential.