Eurostat reports more than 48,000 deaths by intentional self-harm in the EU in 2023, bringing the standardised rate to 10.4 per 100,000 — a gradual decline over the past decade. Suicide rates were highest in Lithuania, Slovenia and Hungary, and lowest in Cyprus, Greece and Malta. Men accounted for roughly three quarters of EU suicides (male rate 16.9 vs female 5.0 per 100,000), and the European Commission has committed over €1.2 billion to mental-health and prevention initiatives.
EU Suicide Rates Continue Slow Decline in 2023 — Men Remain Disproportionately Affected
Suicide rates are gradually falling in the EU, but men are still more drastically affected than women
More than 48,000 residents of European Union countries died from intentional self-harm in 2023, according to Eurostat — continuing a gradual decline in the suicide rate over the past decade.
This corresponds to a standardised death rate of 10.4 per 100,000 people, down from 10.6 in 2022 and 12.2 in 2013.
Where Rates Are Highest And Lowest
The highest suicide rates were recorded in Lithuania (18.8), Slovenia (16.4) and Hungary (16.1) per 100,000 residents. The lowest rates were in Cyprus (3.5), Greece (4.3) and Malta (5.5).
Gender And Age Patterns
Men continue to be disproportionately affected. Eurostat reports a male rate of 16.9 per 100,000 versus 5.0 per 100,000 for women in 2023. Men accounted for 76.4% of EU suicides, with the male share ranging from 70.2% in the Netherlands to 90.3% in Malta.
There is no single clear explanation for the gender gap. The Samaritans charity emphasises that risk factors and help-seeking behaviours often differ by gender: social expectations around masculinity can make men less likely to disclose distress or seek help, and relationship breakdowns may raise suicide risk more for men. Conversely, women are more likely to self-harm, a behaviour that affects patterns of risk and access to support.
“Suicide is complex and most of the time there isn't one event or factor that leads someone to take their own life.”
Age also matters: people aged 65 and over recorded a rate of 17.3 per 100,000, while children under 15 had a rate of 0.2 per 100,000. Men had higher rates in every age group except among children under 15, where male and female rates were similar.
EU Response
Since June 2023 the European Commission has strengthened its approach to mental health, linking wellbeing to social and economic resilience. The EU has committed more than €1.2 billion across programmes such as EU4Health, Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ to support suicide prevention and mental-health initiatives, including teacher training, peer-support models and early-detection tools.
Support And Helplines
If you are contemplating suicide or struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please seek help. Befrienders Worldwide maintains helplines in 32 countries — visit befrienders.org to find contact details for your location. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services.
Data source: Eurostat (2023). Charity comments from Samaritans.
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