Polish municipalities are introducing local maternity benefits to combat population decline amid demographic challenges.
Demographic Crisis Drives Local Action
Population forecasts in Poland and years of low birth rates are motivating municipalities to attract new residents. The Różan municipality in the Mazowieckie voivodeship faced a stark imbalance between deaths and births, with 153 deaths recorded against only 97 births between 2022-2024.
Municipalities Implement Maternity Benefits
In response, Różan’s local government decided to introduce local “becikowe” – maternity benefits. Similar measures have been adopted by Przykona in the Wielkopolskie voivodeship and Zarszyn in the Podkarpackie voivodeship, both of which recently increased these benefit amounts.
Broader Strategy Beyond Financial Incentives
Medium-sized cities like Kołobrzeg are also implementing similar initiatives. Local officials emphasize that financial incentives represent only one element of a broader strategy aimed at halting negative demographic trends, even if results may not be immediately visible in the short term.
Competitive Advantage Through Pro-Family Policies
Some municipalities view active pro-family policies as a means to distinguish themselves regionally and attract new residents seeking communities with supportive family environments.
