Population

Population levels have remained stable in the EU. Demographic shifts can influence waste generation, with population growth potentially increasing waste streams, although to a lesser extent than other drivers.

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From 2010 to 2022, the EU-27 saw a slight population increase of 1.3%, driven mainly by net migration as natural population decline was offset. This demographic trend has implications for waste generation, as population growth can contribute to increased waste, although other factors, such as consumption patterns and economic activity, tend to have a more significant impact on waste production.

The data for population in the EU-27 comes from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, which collects and publishes comprehensive demographic statistics, including population size, age distribution, and migration patterns. These figures are updated annually and form the basis for assessing demographic trends and their impacts on various sectors, including waste generation.

There is a well-established link between population growth and waste generation, as an increase in population often leads to greater consumption of goods and services, resulting in more waste generation. Larger populations demand more food, housing, and products, which in turn generate waste. However, the extent of this impact depends on various factors such as consumption patterns, economic development, and lifestyle choices. While population growth does contribute to waste generation, it is other drivers, such as consumer behaviour, industrial production, and technological advancements, that tend to have a more significant impact on the overall waste footprint of a region.

Definition

The population of the EU-27 refers to the total number of individuals residing within the 27 member states of the European Union. It is calculated based on official census data and annual estimates provided by Eurostat, taking into account both natural population change (births and deaths) and net migration. This metric is used to analyze demographic trends and their implications for social, economic, and environmental policies within the EU.

Literature

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Methodology

Eurostat collects population data for the EU-27 using a combination of national census data, population registers, and annual estimates provided by member states. The data is compiled following the European Statistics Code of Practice to ensure consistency and comparability across countries. For detailed information on the population data collection methodology, Eurostat provides a "Population and Demography" methodology guide, which outlines the processes and standards used by national statistical institutes.

Metadata

Source: Eurostat

Unit: Population (millions)

Geographical coverage: EU-27

Temporal coverage: 2010-2022

Population

References and footnotes