Demographic ageing in Romania and the EU countries : a quantitative approach using a composite index

This study presents a comprehensive methodological approach to construct a composite index of demographic ageing, with a particular focus on Romania in comparison to the other 26 Member States of the European Union (EU). Drawing on data from 2000 to 2022, the research integrates multiple demographic indicators, such as birth and death rates, ageing and dependency ratios, migration flows and population structure into a single index. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for weighting and aggregation, the index captures both the magnitude and dynamics of the ageing phenomenon across countries. The findings reveal significant heterogeneity in ageing patterns across the EU, with Romania positioned in an intermediate but upward trajectory. The study contributes to the literature by offering a replicable, multidimensional tool for comparative demographic analysis and underscores the urgent need for data-informed policy responses to address the socioeconomic impacts of population ageing.