Glenn Diesen - Greater Eurasia Podcast Evarist Bartolo: Europe's Demographic Demise
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Dec 8, 2025 Evarist Bartolo, former Maltese Minister for European and Foreign Affairs, dives into Europe's alarming demographic decline and its dire implications. He stresses the connection between low birthrates and civilizational confidence, linking them to social despair and military willingness. Bartolo discusses the challenges of labor shortages in critical sectors and the impact of an aging population on welfare costs. He suggests that migration could help, but warns of integration issues. Finally, he urges a pragmatic approach towards partnerships, particularly with Africa, for a secure and sustainable Europe.
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Fertility Rates Drive Workforce Collapse
- EU women average under two children each, causing projected population drops and large working-age losses.
- Fewer workers and double the over-85s will stress social protection and health systems massively.
Skills Shortages Are Demography-Driven
- Europe already faces millions of unfilled jobs and acute STEM shortages tied to demographic trends.
- Lacking both numbers and STEM graduates reduces Europe's capacity to sustain industry or a military-industrial base.
Combine Family Policy With Managed Migration
- Try policies that restore family-supportive incentives like tax breaks and child benefits, but expect slow effects.
- Combine family policy with managed migration and cultural renewal to reverse demographic decline gradually.
