EU Commission to support mental health initiatives with €1.23bn

June 7, 2023

By Reporter

The European Commission on Wednesday announced that it will support various mental health initiatives with 1.23 billion euros (1.32 billion U.S. dollars)

European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen said that mental health is as important to a person’s well-being as is physical health.

The commission aims to put mental health at par with physical health by focusing on prevention, access to mental healthcare and treatment and reintegration after recovery, according to a press release.

The move came after the coronavirus pandemic negatively affected the psychological well-being of many Europeans, the commission said.

EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said “We need to break down stigma and discrimination so that those in need can reach out and receive the support they need.

“It is ok not to be ok, and it is our duty to ensure that everyone asking for help has access to it,” Kyriakides said.

Vulnerable persons, including children and people fleeing the war in Ukraine, were to benefit in particular from the extra funding.

The commission also aimed to promote mental well-being at work.

EU Commissioner for Jobs Nicolas Schmit also disclosed that “Around half of European workers consider stress to be common in their workplace and it contributes to around half of all lost working days.”

The commission estimates that not improving mental health in the bloc costs 600 billion euros per year.

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