While parents should have at least two babies to keep Europe's population stable, current birth rates barely exceed one. Will the new wave of over-60-year-old boomer fathers save the continent?

Brussels

New figures reveal that Europe's birth rates have dropped to some of the lowest levels on record. Countries such as Germany, Italy, France, and Finland are experiencing significant declines, with Germany's fertility rate at 1.35 children per woman and Italy's at a record low of 1.18. Researchers note that migration has prevented more dramatic population decreases, but has not been enough to offset the overall decline in births.

France, traditionally one of Europe's most fertile nations, has also seen its lowest fertility rate since the end of the First World War. While most countries are seeing a downward trend, England and Wales have reported a slight increase in births, attributed to a rise in babies born to fathers over 60 years old.

Europe's birth rates hit rock bottom

Is Europe racing towards extinction? Europe's latest birth rates paint a bleak picture. The 2024 figures are some of the worst in decades, if not on record. In Germany, the fertility rate dropped to 1.35 children per woman, the lowest since 1994, which came off the back of a recession period. Researchers clearly said the only reason why the population didn't shrink last year was because of migration. Migration also slowed the population decline in Italy, but not enough to prevent a decrease. Italy's 2024 birth rate was 1.18, a record low. For every 1,000 people, only 6 babies were born, while 11 people died. In neighbouring France, which is traditionally one of Europe's most fertile nations, numbers are also dropping fast. Its fertility rate in 2024 at 1.62 was the lowest since the end of the First World War. Even the wealthy northern European countries are suffering a decline in births, with Finland notably reporting the lowest fertility rate since 1776. Poland holds one of the bottom spots with only 1.1. England and Wales represent an exception with a tiny 0.6% growth, thanks to a surprising rise in babies born to fathers over 60 years old.

At least three deputies were killed after an explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department training facility, officials said. Attorney General Pam Bondi said federal agents were at the scene.

Los Angeles

Three killed in explosion at L.A. County Sheriff's Department facility

The UK's Labour Party has passed a landmark electoral reform, aligning with Scotland and Wales in lowering the voting age from 18 to 16. The change fulfills a key promise by the ruling party but garnered criticism from the Conservative Party.

London

UK lowers voting age from 18 to 16 in historic electoral reform

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a rescissions package to slash $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funding, sending the bill to President Donald Trump's desk.

Washington

U.S. House passes $9 billion cut to foreign aid, public broadcasting

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Trump orders release of Epstein-related grand jury transcripts

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Moscow

Ukraine Invasion

EU imposes new sanctions on Russia's oil and banks

U.S. President Donald Trump denies writing a letter signed 'Donald' beneath a nude sketch in Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday album, details of which were published by the Wall Street Journal. The letter is now under review by the U.S. Justice Department.

Trump denies writing crude letter to Jeffrey Epstein

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Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

Netanyahu apologizes for deadly strike on Catholic church in Gaza

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TSA may eliminate liquid restrictions on planes

A Tennessee judge on Thursday set Kilmar Abrego Garcia's criminal trial date for January 27, 2026. Abrego Garcia is facing human smuggling charges. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports.

Tennessee

Judge sets Kilmar Abrego Garcia's criminal trial date for January 2026

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Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency

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Ahmedabad

Flight captain switched off fuel flow to engines in Air India crash

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DOJ fires Maurene Comey, who helped prosecute Jeffrey Epstein

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Damascus

World reacts to Israeli attacks on Syria’s Damascus

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Germany and UK seal historic defence pact

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Kyiv

U.S. ships NATO purchased Patriot missiles to Ukraine

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Israeli airstrikes on Syria threaten security talks

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Trump says Epstein conspiracy theory is hoax started by Democrats

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Mexico City

Global Tariffs

Mexico plans to strengthen trade with Canada

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Obamas address divorce rumors on Michelle’s podcast

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Israel strikes Damascus as fighting rages in southern Syria

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

U.S. ambassador attends Netanyahu trial to show support from Trump

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Police in Los Angeles have arrested a 22-year-old suspect in the double homicide of American Idol executive Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca. The couple, both 70 years old, was found shot to death in their home earlier this week.

Encino

Police make arrest in murders of American Idol executive, husband

Streaming shows dominated nominations for the 2025 Emmy Awards. "Severance" earned the most series nominations with 27. Meanwhile, "The Studio" earned the most-ever nominations for a debut comedy series with 23.

Hollywood

'Severance' and 'The Studio' earn top Emmy nominations

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Russia rejects Trump's ultimatum for ceasefire in Ukraine

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Breakdown