The European pooled mortality estimates are approaching normal levels

Overall, the pooled estimates of all-cause mortality for the countries participating in the EuroMOMO network have now returned to normal levels, following a period of substantial excess mortality observed in some countries. However, a few countries are still seeing excess mortality.

Data from 26 European countries or subnational regions were included in this week’s pooled analysis of all-cause mortality.

National data from Germany and Ukraine are now included in the EuroMOMO weekly mortality analysis

We are pleased to announce that national-level data from both Germany and Ukraine from this week onwards will form part of the EuroMOMO weekly analysis of all-cause mortality in Europe. A warm welcome to both. Please see further explanatory notes below.

With the inclusion of Germany (entire country) and Ukraine, the EuroMOMO network will have 29 participating European countries or subnational regions. The additional countries in the network brings the total population covered by EuroMOMO to approximately 420 million people, which represents a 38% increase from the previous population of 304 million covered by the EuroMOMO weekly analysis

Note about the presentation of data from Germany

National mortality data representing all of Germany are now provided and will form part of the pooled EuroMOMO analysis. Data from the subnational regions of Berlin and Hesse will also be provided separately and be shown with the usual z-scores graphs, but will no longer be included separately in the pooled analysis.

Note about the presentation of data from Ukraine

National mortality data representing Ukraine are now provided weekly to EuroMOMO, however, so far only the data for all ages, but not for the standard age groups presented by EuroMOMO. Therefore, the data from Ukraine cannot be included in the European pooled analysis, but will be shown with a z-score graph for all ages. Work is ongoing to be able to provide the weekly data by age group as well and include these data in the pooled analysis.

Note on interpretation of data: The number of deaths shown for the three most recent weeks should be interpreted with caution, as adjustments for delayed registrations may be imprecise. Furthermore, results of pooled analyses may vary depending on countries included in the weekly analyses. Pooled analyses are adjusted for variation between the included countries and for differences in the local delay in reporting

About EuroMOMO network data sharing and collaboration

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, information on its mortality impact is of major concern. The EuroMOMO network hub receives many questions about the weekly mortality data we present, as well as requests to share the underlying national data. While the network fully supports data sharing, the network hub is not mandated by the participating countries to release any national data. If you are interested in accessing national data, please approach countries individually.

The EuroMOMO network welcomes collaboration with external partners, e.g. about additional analyses and modelling to be performed. If you are interested in engaging with the network about any such collaboration, please forward your ideas to the hub, for wider sharing and dialogue with the network.

Kindly note that any use of data or information originating from the EuroMOMO website must be appropriately quoted and acknowledged.