Poland faces demographic crisis and rural depopulation challenges

Poland is facing a significant demographic challenge. In 2025, the fertility rate dropped to 1.068, down from 1.991 in 1990. In rural areas, the number of deaths exceeded births by 56,000, despite a positive migration balance of over 36,100 people.

While there is interest from younger generations in returning to rural areas, new spatial planning regulations may hinder this trend by restricting construction outside designated zones. This could prevent people from building homes near family farms or expanding existing properties.

In response to these existential threats, proposals such as the 'Great Reform 2034' suggest a radical restructuring of the state. This vision includes a massive housing initiative to build 16.5 million energy-efficient homes over 8.5 years to lower living costs and encourage higher birth rates by providing affordable, stable housing.