According to WHO statistics, in Poland alone, 20% of children and 25% of adults struggle with mental health problems. The situation is no different across the European Union, it is estimated that 25 million EU residents experience these issues. These figures are alarming.
Depression and substance-use disorders are the two most common mental health conditions in the world. Depression is also among the top 20 leading causes of disability. But this isn’t just human suffering. Society suffers too as does the economy and the European way of life that we so often defend and speak so much about in this chamber. If we want to think seriously about boosting competitiveness, we need good mental health and resilient societies.
Health matters are, of course, a competence of the member states, but the EU can support them. Let us make use of this opportunity. Let us do everything we can this term to make a Healthy European Union a reality, and to finally put an end to the disparities in healthcare quality across EU member states.
I want to thank the European Commission for its initiative and hard work on the EU strategy in this area.