The number of deaths now exceeds the number of births in China, which is facing two consecutive years of population decline, the editor of The Democracy Index and chief analyst for Greece of The Economist Group, Joan Hoey, referring to one of the most typical examples of the international demographic crisis that is in full swing around the world.

Stefanos Handakas, Obstetrician-gynecologist, endoscopic reproduction surgeon, Chairman of the Board of Directors of “MITERA” Hospital of the HYGEIA Group of the Hellenic Healthcare Group, Founder and President of HOPEgenesis:

In the last 15 years, the annual rate of births in Greece has decreased by almost 50%, going from 120,000 births in 2010 to 73,000 births in 2023, pointed out Mr. Stefanos Handakas, Obstetrician-gynecologist, endoscopic reproductive surgeon, Chairman of the Board of Directors of “MITERA” Hospital » HYGEIA Group of the Hellenic Healthcare Group, Founder and President of HOPEgenesis. In this context, he underlined that Greece – like Europe – is on the brink of a cultural, political and of course economic change which will have to be addressed in the coming years. Referring to the required policies in this direction, he underlined three central axes: measures to support local societies, reversal of the brain drain that occurred during the Greek crisis and actions that will combine immigration in the appropriate way.

Sarah Harper, Director of the Oxford Institute for Ageing, pr. Advisor to the UK Prime Minister’s Council on Science and Technology:

From 8 billion people today, the world population will probably increase to 10 billion by 2085, said Dr. Sarah Harper, Director of the Oxford Institute for Ageing, pr. Advisor to the UK Prime Minister’s Council on Science and Technology. Describing the conditions leading to demographic aging worldwide, he observed that the modern woman has been culturally freed from the obligation to give birth: “by educating women, you change the way they think, you empower them to choose.” She spoke about the need for indirectly supportive state policies in the areas of public health and child care. In addition, he noted that well-educated seniors no longer need to retire at the age of 60, as they can continue to contribute as tax-paying workers to government coffers.

Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Health:

More people will need a pension and fewer people will be available to work, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis pointed out, stressing that the numbers do not add up and difficult decisions will be required in the years to come. He noted that an aging population means increased health care costs, especially when you add in new technologies, new drugs and new treatments. “We don’t have the solutions, but we are fully aware of the magnitude of the problem and we will work on it,” said Mr. Georgiadis. As for the role of immigration, he emphasized that “we need it but under specific conditions”, noting that the concerns of citizens should be taken into account on the one hand and the rights of immigrants on the other.