nder the Radar is a weekly special series bringing you compelling, under–the–radar stories from around the world, one region at a time. This week in Europe, European countries continue to face decreasing birth rates, and solutions seem in short supply. Other noteworthy under–the–radar stories from the region include fake news outlets spreading Russian propaganda, the EU’s possible upcoming restrictions on AI, and the Italian media’s feud with a popular UK food website.
There were almost two times fewer children born in Europe in 2023 than six decades ago, according to a 2025 report. These declining birth rates align with an ongoing global trend that has experts concerned. A 2025 United Nations Population Fund report warned governments against instituting “panicky policies” that could harm gender equality or migration laws.
Experts suggest that economic hardships, the climate crisis, and overall uncertainty about the future are among the leading causes of low birth rates. Yet even in countries like Finland, which was voted the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, the birth rate is declining. Finland boasts an excellent education system, strong work–life balance, and many parental benefits—including a maternity grant and substantial parental leave. Despite these policies, the country is still experiencing the lowest birth rate among the Nordic countries, with Finland’s birth rate decreasing by a third since 2010. Finland’s government believes that possible reasons for the decline include difficulties younger people face in establishing relationships, an increased focus on education and career opportunities, and financial instability.
The reasons behind low birth rates are more evident in areas like some of Greece’s islands, where raising a family has become increasingly difficult. The island of Lemnos is the eighth–largest Greek island, but one of the village’s primary schools has only two students, and others have been forced to shut down due to the lack of teachers and students. In September 2025, Greece’s government announced that more than 700 schools would be closing. The continually declining population in villages on Greece’s islands only results in worsening infrastructure, the closure of many shops and businesses, and a reduced incentive for locals to remain in the villages. Healthcare is especially expensive in these villages, often meaning residents must travel to mainland Greece to receive necessary medical care, which only encourages families or hopeful parents to move there to save money. Some European countries, like Germany, are relying on immigration to solve ongoing labor shortages worsened by the declining birth rates. But for areas like Greece’s islands, immigration does not work as even a temporary solution if they cannot entice people to move to more rural areas.
Here are some other under–the–radar stories from Europe:
- Fake news outlets are impersonating real journalists to spread pro–Russia propaganda.
- ChatGPT has surpassed one million users in Europe, suggesting the EU may soon impose strict regulations on the AI chatbot.
- Italian media is feuding with a popular UK food website after it shared a recipe for Roman Cacio e Pepe.
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European countries struggle to address declining birth rates
Photo by Jade Stephens on Unsplash
November 14, 2025
Diplomatic Courier’s Stephanie Gull brings you weekly under–the–radar stories from around the world. This week in Europe: A new report highlights the growing struggle against declining birth rates across Europe, even as our assumptions about root causes are undermined.
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nder the Radar is a weekly special series bringing you compelling, under–the–radar stories from around the world, one region at a time. This week in Europe, European countries continue to face decreasing birth rates, and solutions seem in short supply. Other noteworthy under–the–radar stories from the region include fake news outlets spreading Russian propaganda, the EU’s possible upcoming restrictions on AI, and the Italian media’s feud with a popular UK food website.
There were almost two times fewer children born in Europe in 2023 than six decades ago, according to a 2025 report. These declining birth rates align with an ongoing global trend that has experts concerned. A 2025 United Nations Population Fund report warned governments against instituting “panicky policies” that could harm gender equality or migration laws.
Experts suggest that economic hardships, the climate crisis, and overall uncertainty about the future are among the leading causes of low birth rates. Yet even in countries like Finland, which was voted the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, the birth rate is declining. Finland boasts an excellent education system, strong work–life balance, and many parental benefits—including a maternity grant and substantial parental leave. Despite these policies, the country is still experiencing the lowest birth rate among the Nordic countries, with Finland’s birth rate decreasing by a third since 2010. Finland’s government believes that possible reasons for the decline include difficulties younger people face in establishing relationships, an increased focus on education and career opportunities, and financial instability.
The reasons behind low birth rates are more evident in areas like some of Greece’s islands, where raising a family has become increasingly difficult. The island of Lemnos is the eighth–largest Greek island, but one of the village’s primary schools has only two students, and others have been forced to shut down due to the lack of teachers and students. In September 2025, Greece’s government announced that more than 700 schools would be closing. The continually declining population in villages on Greece’s islands only results in worsening infrastructure, the closure of many shops and businesses, and a reduced incentive for locals to remain in the villages. Healthcare is especially expensive in these villages, often meaning residents must travel to mainland Greece to receive necessary medical care, which only encourages families or hopeful parents to move there to save money. Some European countries, like Germany, are relying on immigration to solve ongoing labor shortages worsened by the declining birth rates. But for areas like Greece’s islands, immigration does not work as even a temporary solution if they cannot entice people to move to more rural areas.
Here are some other under–the–radar stories from Europe:
- Fake news outlets are impersonating real journalists to spread pro–Russia propaganda.
- ChatGPT has surpassed one million users in Europe, suggesting the EU may soon impose strict regulations on the AI chatbot.
- Italian media is feuding with a popular UK food website after it shared a recipe for Roman Cacio e Pepe.
