European Union’s population reached four hundred fifty-two million at this year’s start. This marks five consecutive years of growth following the pandemic’s sharp decline.

Net positive migration balanced negative natural changes caused by more deaths than births.

Since twenty sixteen, population rose eight million; since twenty oh six, sixteen million more. Annual growth slowed over decades: three million in sixties, six hundred thousand recently.

Germany remains most populous member; Malta, the least; growth highest in small states. Demographic changes highlight European Union’s evolving population on World Population Day observance.