The European Commission published a statement by Commissioner for Health and Animal Safety Oliver Varheyi, timed to coincide with World Mental Health Day, which is observed annually on October 10th. In his address made in Brussels on October 9, 2026, Varheyi drew attention to the scale of the problem: according to him, more than 84 million people in the European Union face various difficulties related to mental health. The Commissioner stressed that mental health remains one of the key priorities of EU health policy. He noted the need to strengthen preventive measures, expand access to psychological and psychiatric care, and reduce stigmatization of people suffering from mental disorders. The statement was part of a series of initiatives by the European Commission aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues among citizens of the union. World Mental Health Day, established by the World Health Organization, is used annually to draw attention to this issue and mobilize efforts by governments, medical institutions, and public organizations. The European Commission has previously stated its intention to develop a comprehensive approach to protecting the mental health of the population, including both medical and social aspects of support for citizens, particularly in the context of the consequences of the pandemic and other crises that have affected the emotional well-being of people throughout the region.