Study Reveals 16.8 Million Life Years Lost in Europe During COVID-19 Pandemic

Germany accounted for 2 million lost life years, with Sweden showing the lowest losses among 18 analyzed countries.

An international study analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on life expectancy across 18 European countries between 2020 and 2022.
Researchers calculated a total of 16.8 million life years lost, considering both direct COVID-19 deaths and indirect factors such as delayed medical care and lockdown effects.
Germany saw 2 million life years lost, placing it in the middle range of the countries studied, while Sweden had the lowest losses despite its less stringent pandemic measures.
The majority of life years lost occurred among individuals over 80, with men generally more affected than women.
Experts highlight the study's findings as crucial for understanding pandemic responses and improving strategies for future health crises.