B9‑0127/2020

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on European Optimism Day

The European Parliament,

– having regard to Rule 143 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas optimism is a measurable economic category with a direct impact on general economic activity; whereas research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that depression and anxiety disorders cost the world economy USD one billion annually;

B. whereas, according to the WHO research, by 2030 depression will have become the most widespread illness in the world; whereas the number of people with depression and anxiety disorders is dramatically increasing every year, from 416 million diagnosed in 1990 to 615 million in 2013; whereas the findings suggest that an optimistic mindset is associated with lower cardiovascular risk, and that promoting optimism and reducing pessimism may be remarkably important in terms of preventive healthcare;

1. Calls on the Commission to designate 27 May as ‘European Optimism Day’, the key goal of which would be to promote optimism as a means of creating a better social climate, a healthier way of life and overall prosperity and well-being.