Hungary’s fertility declined starkly last year reaching a low of 1.38, down from a figure of 1.51 in 2023, according to preliminary data from the country’s Central Statistical Office (KSH).

A rate of 2.1 is needed for a population to sustain itself.

Annual births dropped to a historic low of 77,500, a decline of 9.1pc, or 7,725 fewer than the previous year.

Marriages also declined with only 46,550 couples tying the knot in 2024, down 7.2pc or, 3,589 compared with 2023.

The figures come despite years of extensive tax and economic benefits designed to encourage child-bearing.

Despite the apparent failure, the Government has doubled down on the policy by announcing new laws under which mothers with one child will be exempt from income tax until they turn 30, while those with two or more children will pay no income tax for life.

Mothers with four or more children are already totally tax exempt.