A Roadmap to Resilience: Building a Healthier Europe Through Investment in Mental Health

The impact of mental health conditions on European societies and healthcare systems cannot be understated. Despite growing awareness within policy circles, funding remains scarce and significantly below what is required. Moreover, approximately 1 in 6 people suffers from a mental health condition in the region, and the prevalence of depression and anxiety has risen – highlighting the urgent need for action.

Jacopo S. Andreose is the CEO of Angelini Pharma.

The Covid-19 pandemic emphasized the European Commission's key role in coordinating health policy, leading to a comprehensive Mental Health strategy in June 2023 with a €1.23 billion budget. However, the success of these initiatives depends on sustained political commitment and funding. In November 2023, the Council emphasized cross-sectoral strategies, while the European Parliament called for early intervention, prevention, and stronger societal support. To advance mental health in Europe, these efforts must be aligned and sustained through coordinated action.

At Angelini Pharma, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those affected by brain health conditions. Our responsibility extends beyond drug development in brain health, as we work tirelessly to provide comprehensive, high-quality data on the state of healthcare systems across Europe – a fundamental tool for informed and efficient policymaking. Since 2017, we have been collaborating with The European House - Ambrosetti in the development of the annual Headway Mental Health Report.

This report provides a rich collection of statistics that paint a detailed picture of the status of mental health and care in Europe and, importantly, outlines a roadmap of concrete solutions to address the mental health challenges across Europe. It offers a detailed analysis of the 27 EU member states and the UK, using 54 key performance indicators to evaluate mental health determinants, population status, and the responsiveness of national health systems in healthcare, workplaces, schools, and society at large.

This year’s Headway Report, which will be presented in an event at the European Parliament on 25 September, is particularly timely: given the recent prominence of mental health on the political agenda, it is clear that further action is needed as we transition into the implementation stage. Against this backdrop, the report shows that a large portion of the sum that the EU member states and the UK currently spend on dealing with mental health issues is avoidable. Billions of Euros could be saved and invested elsewhere each year. In fact, if governments invested a fraction of the current economic burden of mental health conditions into prevention and associated services, they would be able to generate substantial direct and indirect savings that far outweigh the initial investment. An exponential return on investment could be generated by prioritizing mental health care more.

However, the data show a negative trend in mental health expenditure across most member states. For example, while European countries have improved their health systems’ responsiveness to mental health needs by an average of 7% compared to 2022, the majority of EU member states have seen a negative trend in their readiness to respond to mental health needs in schools, workplaces, and wider society. Countries like Denmark, France, Latvia, and Luxembourg have shown positive trends, but these remain exceptions rather than the rule.

The Headway Report also shows significant variability in mental health care quality and accessibility across surveyed countries, with nations improving and others lagging due to a lack of skilled professionals, resources, and adherence to guidelines. The pandemic further disrupted services, and over 60% of countries reported serious impacts. Insufficient data collection, inadequate funding for community-based care, and a reliance on out-of-pocket payments have deepened inequalities, undermining both immediate care and long-term outcomes for those with mental health conditions.

To reverse this trend, our data demonstrate that increasing mental health spending (defined as a proportion of total government healthcare expenditure) leads to significant return on investment. In fact, our research underlines a tangible link between social expenditure, welfare programs, and the mental health status of the population. Indeed, investing in expanding the mental health workforce, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of care can generate substantial economic benefits, both directly and indirectly. Such investments are expected to improve mental health outcomes by reducing suicide rates, lowering dependency on emergency and long-term care services, and increasing workforce participation. This provides a compelling economic case for building resilient healthcare systems that prioritize mental health.

The Headway Report underscores the necessity of additional funding to address the long-term impact and costs of mental health care across Europe and the UK. It also recommends that low- and middle-income countries allocate at least 6.5% of their healthcare budgets to mental health, while high-income countries should aim for a 10% threshold.

As a pharma company dedicated to supporting people living with brain health conditions across the world, we believe it is crucial to uphold the "mental health in all policies" approach touted in policymaking circles. Decision-makers are keenly aware that mental health conditions do not form in a vacuum; rather, they emanate from a range of personal and environmental factors, including employment conditions, housing quality, and access to education. Addressing these interconnected determinants calls for comprehensive, multidisciplinary interventions cutting across policy areas.

Moving forward, it is essential that all levels of government – at the EU and national level – work together to ensure these initiatives are backed by continuous funding and strong political will, creating a truly resilient and inclusive mental healthcare system across Europe. Complacency is not an option, and we call on policymakers in Brussels and EU leaders to prioritize mental health across all policy areas, ensuring robust funding, cross-sectoral strategies, and increased investment in prevention and early intervention.

Official presentation of the Headway Report on 25 September in Brussels

To find out more about the event at the European Parliament on 25 September to officially unveil the latest Headway Report and its findings, please click here.