Podcast Summary: De 7 Extra | "Steeds minder baby’s: wat de dalende geboortecijfers betekenen voor onze economie"

Podcast: De 7 – De Tijd
Host: Bert Rymen
Date: December 12, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of "De 7 Extra" delves into the sharp decline in birth rates and examines the implications for society and economy. Host Bert Rymen, along with notable guests—including demography professor Peter van Heuser—explores the demographic shifts, their economic consequences, international comparisons (especially with Nordic countries), and historical perspectives on population trends. The conversation candidly addresses why fewer children are being born and what this means for the future.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Declining Birthrate

• [02:26] Discussion opens on the societal trend of having fewer children, with reference to governmental encouragement ("Please have more children") in several countries facing declining populations.
• Policies in countries like Russia are noted as attempts to incentivize higher fertility—a trend mirrored in other nations.

2. Fertility and Social Attitudes

• [06:46] Guest remarks humorously on the notion of being a "fertilization president," highlighting the politicization of demographic issues.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "I'll be known as the fertilization president. That's okay. I've been called much worse." (C, 06:46)
• The discussion explores cultural and social reasons behind low birth rates, including changing gender roles and family dynamics.

3. International and Nordic Comparisons

• [07:17] Professor Peter van Heuser outlines key differences in birthrate trends across Europe.

  • Highest birth rates still often seen in Nordic countries (Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland), but even these regions now witness declines.

  • Van Heuser attributes some resilience in the Nordic regions to progressive family policies and gender equality, but acknowledges no country is immune.

  • Notable Quote:

    • "The toppers in sociology and demography... in Nordic Europa—Norwegian, Denmark, Sweden, and so forth, Finland... and [it's about] gender behavior in the family world." (C, 07:22)

4. Economic Implications

• [13:21] A transition to the direct economic impacts of falling birthrates:
  • Aging populations imply a shrinking workforce and growing pension burdens.
  • Slower economic growth anticipated without sufficient people entering the labor market.
  • Financial economists, like Stephanie (referenced briefly), raise concerns about sustainability.

5. Philosophical & Existential Perspectives

• [16:00] A guest places the demographic trend in the context of human civilization:

  • Low birthrates cited as a recurring cause for the decline of civilizations, from ancient times to now.

  • Notable Quote:

    • "What ended most civilizations was a low birth rate, like no humans, no humanity. Earth’s capable of easily having far more humans and should, in my opinion." (D, 16:00)

6. Historical Lessons

• [22:05] Parallels drawn with ancient Rome:

  • Julius Caesar's policies incentivizing childbirth are invoked as early examples of pro-natalist legislation.

  • Notable Quote:

    • “If you look at, say, ancient Rome, Julius Caesar even tried to pass, you know, laws like in 50 BC or something like that to give an incentive for any Roman citizen that would have a second or third child.” (D, 22:05)

7. Current Policy Suggestions

• [26:51] The episode closes with a focus on governmental and societal solutions:
  • The need for innovative policy measures, such as beneficial conditions for young families and first-time homeowners.
  • Investments in affordable childcare, parental leave, and stable housing are raised as potential levers to reverse the trend.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On political labels and demographics:

  • "I'll be known as the fertilization president. That's okay. I've been called much worse." – Guest (C), 06:46

• On the fundamental role of birthrate in history:

  • "What ended most civilizations was a low birth rate, like no humans, no humanity." – Guest (D), 16:00

• Historical analogies:

  • “...even Julius Caesar tried to pass laws to incent more Roman citizens to have children.” – Guest (D), 22:05

Important Segments with Timestamps

• 02:26 – Overview of declining birthrates & governmental concerns
• 06:46 – The "fertilization president" discussion, framing the politics
• 07:17-09:43 – Prof. Van Heuser on Nordic countries & sociological context
• 13:21 – Economic knock-on effects examined
• 16:00 – Civilizational risk of low birthrate
• 22:05 – Lessons from ancient Rome
• 26:51 – Policy proposals for reversing the trend

Conclusion

This episode offers a nuanced look at Europe’s baby bust, unpacking social, economic, and political dimensions. While acknowledging the complexity of the challenge, it argues for proactive—and sometimes creative—policy responses, highlighting both modern-day examples and the enduring relevance of historical perspective.