Is Europe facing fertility crisis?

 Europe is facing a fertility crisis, with many countries experiencing ultra-low fertility rates

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. The average number of children per woman has declined throughout Europe, and many couples stop after the first or second child, while others decide not to have any children at all. Disagreement within couples about having babies is a major factor behind low fertility across Europe, and men contribute little to the burden of childcare in low-fertility countries, leaving women to do most of the work

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. The causes of the fertility crisis in Europe are rooted in economic factors, such as a lack of financial security that prompts many Italians to live with their parents

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. In Spain, the economic crisis has seen a net exodus of people from the country, resulting in a shrinking population since 2012

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. The Great Recession has also been linked to fertility decline in Europe, with the relationship between fertility decline and unemployment increase being significant at different sub-national levels

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. Falling fertility rates are being driven by more women in education and work, as well as greater access to contraception, leading to women choosing to have fewer children

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