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One in five people in the European Union experienced a mental health disorder in 2023, and approximately two-thirds of those in need of care lack adequate access to treatment. According to the OECD, the impact of mental health issues is reflected both in the costs to healthcare systems and in the productivity of European economies.
Mental health is becoming a structural issue for Europe, with effects that extend well beyond healthcare systems, impacting the labor market, education, and public finances. Anxiety, depression, and other disorders affect a significant portion of the population, while access to specialized services remains inadequate-particularly for low-income individuals and those living in areas with few specialists. The report "The Economic Case for Preventing Mental Ill Health,” published this year by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), estimates that slightly over 20% of people in EU and OECD countries experienced a mental health disorder in 2023. Within the European Union, the estimated proportion was approximately 21%. The same data indicate a significant gap between the need for care and the services available. Across the EU, only about a third of those in need of mental health services receive treatment, according to OECD estimates. The organization warns that a lack of access to care can exacerbate existing problems and increase the costs ultimately borne by public systems.
• An economic cost of hundreds of billions of euros
The consequences of mental health issues extend beyond expenditures on consultations, psychotherapy, and medication. They also affect people's ability to work, retain their jobs, and participate in economic activity.
According to the OECD report, mental health issues are associated with an estimated annual loss of approximately 313 billion euros to the European Union's GDP-equivalent to about 1.7% of its annual economic output. This figure represents a modeled difference compared to a hypothetical scenario in which the effects of these conditions were absent; it is not an amount that can be automatically recovered through a single intervention. The impact is driven by several factors: absenteeism, reduced productivity during working hours, unemployment, and early withdrawal from the workforce. The OECD estimates that the effects on the labor market are equivalent to the loss of approximately 2.4 million full-time workers each year. Meanwhile, expenditures on medical services required by individuals with mental health issues are estimated at approximately 76 billion euros annually in the EU-an average figure for the 2025-2050 period. According to the organization, this amount represents approximately 6% of the total health budgets of member states. The figures show that prevention and treatment are not merely public health objectives, but also components of economic policy. Reducing periods of incapacity for work and improving access to care can help limit long-term economic losses.
• Young people among the most vulnerable
OECD data indicate that, in 2023, the estimated prevalence of mental health disorders was highest among individuals aged 15 to 19. Anxiety and depression are among the most common issues, with low-income individuals and those with lower levels of education being disproportionately affected.
The organization points to several factors that may contribute to the deterioration of mental health, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, the rising cost of living, conflicts, and problematic social media use among children and adolescents. However, the relative impact of each factor varies depending on the group being analyzed, and the association between these phenomena does not automatically imply a direct causal relationship. At the European level, this issue is also reflected in data presented by the European Commission. A Eurobarometer survey published in October 2023 revealed that 46% of Europeans had experienced an emotional or psychosocial issue-such as anxiety or depression-within the preceding 12 months. Among those who had faced such problems, one in two had not sought help from a specialist. A lack of early intervention can affect one's educational path and relationships. social aspects and entry into the labor market. For young people, untreated issues can have long-lasting consequences for their education and professional opportunities-effects that may persist well into adulthood.
• Why do so few people receive treatment?
Although most European countries have adopted national mental health policies, the existence of such strategies does not guarantee actual access to services. The OECD identifies several obstacles: out-of-pocket costs for patients, an insufficient number of specialists, long waiting times, and limited access to services in rural areas. The stigma surrounding mental health issues may also lead some individuals to delay seeking help. There is a significant gap between the population's needs and the capacity of healthcare systems. According to an April 2026 report, treatment coverage for mental health issues in the EU is estimated at approximately 33%. To achieve full coverage, the OECD's analysis suggests that spending in this area would need to increase by about 41%-equivalent to roughly 72 euros per person annually. This estimate does not imply that everyone requires the same type of treatment, nor does it suggest that expanding services would eliminate all problems. It does, however, indicate the scale of the financial investment required to bridge the gap between care needs and available services. The organization recommends strengthening prevention efforts and integrating mental health services into primary healthcare, schools, and workplaces. Early interventions can help identify problems before they worsen and may reduce the need for more costly services at later stages.
• Mental health: a competitiveness issue
For European economies, the impact of poor mental health is also reflected in the difficulty of keeping people in the workforce. Affected individuals may face frequent absenteeism, reduced performance at work, or an inability to continue working under normal conditions. At a time when Europe is grappling with an aging population and labor shortages, the loss of work capacity due to preventable or treatable causes creates an additional economic challenge.
The European Commission emphasizes that mental health is a prerequisite for a productive economy and an inclusive society. The approach adopted at the EU level focuses on strengthening prevention, improving access to services, and combating stigma and discrimination. Consequently, investments in mental health should be viewed not only in terms of immediate costs but also in light of long-term economic and social benefits. School-based counseling, access to psychotherapy, support for individuals in distress, and workplace prevention programs can help mitigate the consequences of untreated issues. An OECD report examines various interventions, indicating that expanding access to psychotherapy and integrating mental health treatment into primary care can yield economic benefits. However, the outcomes depend on how these measures are implemented, the extent to which the population can truly access them, and the resources available.
• Prevention: Less Costly Than Inaction
The mental health crisis cannot be resolved solely by expanding specialized services. Measures are also required to reduce risk factors, facilitate early access to help, and limit the marginalization of those affected. For governments, the challenge lies in transforming national strategies into accessible services, supported by adequate staffing and predictable funding. For employers, mental health entails ensuring appropriate working conditions, preventing professional burnout, and fostering an environment where individuals can seek support without fear of discrimination. OECD data indicates that inaction carries a significant cost: hundreds of billions of euros lost annually in economic activity, high medical expenditures, and millions of people whose capacity to work is impaired.
In this context, mental health can no longer be treated merely as an individual issue or a responsibility confined to the healthcare system. It impacts productivity, education, labor market participation, and the sustainability of public finances. For Europe, closing the gap between the need for treatment and actual access to services is both a social priority and an investment in its own economic potential.
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