A comparative analysis of birth rates in the European Union and Bulgaria
Information for nursing staff, 2025, 57(2), 36-40.
A. Chifligarska, G. Markova
Department of Nursing Surgical Care, Faculty of Health Care, Medical University – Pleven
Abstract.
Background: Birth rate is an indicator of population reproduction, reflecting the frequency of live births per 1,000 people in the population.
The aim of the study is to analyze the birth rate in the European Union and Bulgaria for the period from 2013 to 2023.
Materials and Methods: Secondary data from national and international sources (National Statistical Institute (NSI), the National Center for Public Health and Analyses, and Eurostat) were used.
Results: During the observed period, there is a trend of decreasing birth rates both in Bulgaria (from 9.2‰ in 2013 to 8.9‰ in 2023) and the European Union countries (from 9.7‰ in 2013 to 8.2‰ in 2023). In 2022, France had the highest fertility rate (1.79 live births per woman), followed by Romania (1.71) and Bulgaria (1.65). The lowest fertility rates were observed in Malta (1.08 live births per woman), Spain (1.16), and Italy (1.24). Bulgaria is in a more favorable position regarding abortions (n = 18 972) among the EU countries. The highest number of abortions is reported in France (n = 233 281), Germany (n = 103 927), and Spain (n = 98 316), while the lowest number of abortions is registered in Poland (n = 160), Lithuania (n = 2,705), and Latvia (n = 2,793). The highest age for having the first child is in Italy (31.7 years), Spain (31.6 years), and Ireland (31.5 years). In comparison to the EU countries, in Bulgaria, women have their first child between the ages of 26 and 27.
Conclusion: It is necessary to implement policies aimed at providing financial support to families wishing to have children, developing family planning, and improving access to and the quality of healthcare for pregnant women and mothers
Key words: birth rate, European Union (EU), Bulgaria
Address for correspondence: Senior Assist., Aneliya Chifligarska, PhDр e-mail: