Story perspectives

EU Businesses Thrive Amid Challenges: Birth Rates Soar

11/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 2023, the European Union had 33 million active enterprises, with birth and death rates of 10.5% and 8.5%.
Lithuania and Malta posted the highest birth rates.
Estonia had the largest negative gap due to more closures than openings.
France led in positive differences, whereas Germany was the only major economy with a negative rate.
Experts attributed the trends to Ukraine-related challenges and post-pandemic adjustments, noting resilience among EU SMEs.

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Story summary

In 2023, the European Union had 33 million active enterprises, with birth and death rates of 10.5% and 8.5%.
Lithuania and Malta posted the highest birth rates.
Estonia had the largest negative gap due to more closures than openings.
France led in positive differences, whereas Germany was the only major economy with a negative rate.
Experts attributed the trends to Ukraine-related challenges and post-pandemic adjustments, noting resilience among EU SMEs.