Changes in actual population growth across European subregions (NUTS 3) in the years 2018-2021

This article examines changes in population growth across subregions of European countries (NUTS 3) between 2018 and 2021. The research period is divided into two subperiods, allowing for a comparative analysis that takes into account the health crisis triggered by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the growing demographic polarization between subregions within European countries, manifested in the territorial concentration of both population growth and decline. During the analysed period, countries exhibited divergent trends in natural population change, which – especially during the crisis period – showed the strongest correlation with the level of socio-economic development.