Suicide rates across the EU have gradually declined over the past decade. In 2023, more than 48,000 people died by suicide, equivalent to 10.4 deaths per 100,000 people, down from 12.2 in 2013.
Rates varied considerably between countries. Lithuania (18.8), Slovenia (16.4) and Hungary (16.1) recorded the highest rates, while Cyprus (3.5), Greece (4.3) and Malta (5.5) had the lowest.
Men remain disproportionately affected: they accounted for 76.4% of all suicides in the EU in 2023. The suicide rate was 16.9 per 100,000 men, compared with 5.0 among women. Possible factors include social expectations that can make men less likely to talk about mental health problems or seek help.
Age also plays a role. People aged 65 and over had a suicide rate of 17.3 per 100,000, compared with just 0.2 among children under 15.
Since 2023, the EU has strengthened its efforts to improve mental health and prevent suicide. More than €1.2 billion in funding through EU4Health, Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ supports initiatives including teacher training, peer support and the early detection of mental distress.
