Every day, Ukrainian children suffer from the consequences of the war, which destroys their childhood, forces them to live in fear and adapt to the harsh reality. However, it is not only hostilities that take the lives of young Ukrainians. They become victims of accidents that could have been prevented. The story that happened in the Kherson Region is another tragic reminder of how important adult vigilance is. Tragedy on the Ingulets River On February 13, a terrible event took place in the Veliko Oleksandriv community of the Kherson region, which took the lives of three children. About this reported Oleksandr Prokudin, head of Kherson OVA. A group of teenagers — 5 children — stepped onto the thin ice of a frozen river, unaware of the mortal danger. The ice could not support the weight of the children, and they went under the water. A 16-year-old girl tried to pull the children out of the water, but she herself ended up under the ice. Fortunately, the tragedy was noticed by a local resident who rushed to help and was able to save two girls — a 16-year-old and a 12-year-old. They reached the shore, but suffered hypothermia. But three others – a 9-year-old boy, a 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl – died in the cold waters of Ingulets. The search and rescue operation lasted two days. Only on February 15 was it possible to find the body of the last missing teenager. Dozens of rescuers, special equipment and even underwater drones were involved in the operation, but it was impossible to bring the children back to life. Why is this happening? Thin ice, open bodies of water, dangerous fun — children are often unaware of the danger, and adults do not always have time to prevent tragedies. Winter in Ukraine is unstable, and frozen bodies of water do not always have solid ice, making them a death trap. But the main reason for such cases is insufficient awareness of children about safety rules and neglect by adults. This is not the first and, unfortunately, not the last case when children die on the water, in winter or summer. Every year, the statistics of rescuers record dozens of deaths due to carelessness in water bodies. How to prevent such tragedies This tragedy cannot be undone, but we can do everything we can to prevent it from happening again. Here are some basic tips that will help parents protect their children from danger: Tell children about the danger. Explain that going out on the ice unaccompanied by adults is strictly prohibited, even if it seems to be solid. Teach them to recognize dangerous places — thin or cracked ice, areas near currents or sinkholes. Watch where the children are walking. Parents often underestimate how risky children’s games can be. If there is a body of water nearby, make sure the child knows that stepping onto the ice is deadly. Explain what to do in case of danger. Teach children not to panic if they fall under the ice. Tell them that you need to spread your arms wide on the surface so as not to go under the water, and try to get out with your chest forward. Supervise teenagers. Older children often underestimate the risks and go for dangerous experiments. It is important to talk to them about the possible consequences so that they do not seek adventure where tragedy awaits them. React quickly. If you witness someone falling under the ice, do not immediately run to help — the ice may not be able to withstand you either. Use long objects (rope, board, belt) and immediately call rescuers. Children’s lives are the most valuable thing we have. Their safety depends not only on themselves, but also on the responsibility of parents, teachers and society as a whole. Vigilance, caution and knowledge of safety rules can save lives. Let this tragedy be a lesson for everyone, so that no other family loses their child due to neglect of elementary rules.
Europe is on the threshold of large-scale demographic changes that may significantly affect its socio-economic landscape in the coming decades. An aging population, low birth rates and a decrease in the number of working-age citizens are becoming more and more obvious challenges for European countries. While some countries are trying to deal with depopulation with migration policies and economic stimulus, others are already facing acute labor shortages and pension crises.
According to the latest data from the United Nations (UN), Europe’s population will decrease by more than 152 million people by 2100. This figure is impressive, because it is more than 20% of today’s population of the continent. Such rates of reduction entail not only changes in the demographic structure, but also serious social, economic and political consequences.
The forecast for population changes in Europe until 2100 is based on data from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), in particular, their latest report «World Population Prospects 2024». The visualization of these forecasts was prepared by the analytical publication Visual Capitalist in the material entitled «Europe’s Population Forecast to 2100», which specializes in economic, demographic and financial analysis.
This forecast takes into account three key factors:
- Birth rate (low birth rate in most European countries);
- Mortality (population aging and an increase in the proportion of elderly people);
- Migration processes (balance between immigration and emigration).
According to the forecast, the greatest losses are predicted for the countries of Eastern and Southern Europe.
Ukraine and Italy will be among the leaders in terms of rate of reduction. For both countries, the loss of 23.8 million people is predicted. For Italy, this means a population reduction of 40.5%, while Ukraine will lose 60% of its inhabitants. This is the fastest decrease in population among all European countries.
No less serious demographic losses await Poland. It is projected to lose 18.8 million people, or 46% of its current population. Spain (minus 14.8 million, or 31.2%) and Germany (minus 13.1 million, or 15.7%) were also in the group of countries with a significant reduction in population.
Russia, which has one of the largest territories and population of any European country, will also experience a significant reduction, with a projected decrease of 17.6 million people, which is 12% of the current level.
The countries of the Balkan region are also experiencing significant population decline. For example, Montenegro will lose 306 thousand inhabitants, which is half of its current population. Bulgaria’s population is projected to decrease by 3.2 million people, which is a critical indicator for a country that is already suffering from massive population outflows.
Against this background, the European demographic landscape will change not only due to the loss of population, but also due to its redistribution. At the same time, only a few countries will be able to show population growth, and among them are Great Britain, France, Sweden and Switzerland. Great Britain will gain an additional 4.8 million inhabitants by 2100, France — 1.8 million, Sweden — 710 thousand, and Switzerland — 158.7 thousand.
The main reasons for such changes are the low birth rate in many countries, the aging of the population, and a significant level of emigration from regions experiencing economic and political difficulties. This is especially acutely felt in Eastern Europe, where the younger generation continues to look for better living conditions abroad.
Declining the continent’s population will have far-reaching consequences. A smaller population means a smaller labor force, which can negatively affect the economic development of many countries. At the same time, the aging of society puts additional pressure on health care and social security systems.
Despite these threatening trends, some countries, such as Great Britain and France, show positive demographic prospects. This may be due to a more flexible migration policy, effective social support for families, and other government initiatives aimed at stimulating fertility.
Consequently, Europe is gradually entering a new demographic era, which will be accompanied by significant changes in the structure of society. States will have to adapt their economic and social policies to cope with the challenges of population decline.
