Europe is entering a new demographic era - and the numbers are merciless. According to Eurostat, the EU population will shrink by 53 million people by 2100. That's a drop of 11.7% - more than the entire population of Spain.

The peak will be reached in 2029 with 453.3 million inhabitants. After that - only downward. Fewer children, more elderly, fewer workers to fund pensions and healthcare.

For the Balkans, which have been bleeding from emigration for decades, this is a double blow. Europe is aging and shrinking - but the Balkans are doing it faster than anyone. Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia - all losing population at a pace that makes European projections look optimistic.

The question isn't whether Europe will change by 2100 - that's certain. The question is who will be left to witness those changes. In the Balkans, the answer is given every day at the airports.