Mental health

Subject: Mental health

In its Communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health, the Commission noted that mental health and illness are influenced by individual and external factors. The mental health of all individuals, but especially that of vulnerable groups such as children and adolescents, persons with disabilities and refugees, is increasingly affected by the ongoing crises within the European Union and worldwide – as such, it is imperative to incorporate mental health considerations into all policy domains. Improved access to assistance, prevention, early intervention, destigmatisation and mental health at work are also important. In order to provide support to the Member States, but also globally, 20 flagship initiatives were presented, to be supported by EUR 1.23 billion from various financial instruments1.

Is the Commission planning a concrete EU action plan to move from a biomedical to a psychosocial approach?

Submitted: 23.10.2023

1 https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-06/com_2023_298_1_act_en.pdf

Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission (6 February 2024)

The Commission adopted a communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health in June 2023. This is the first time that an overarching, prevention-oriented and multi-stakeholder approach has been developed, after extensive consultation with Member States, stakeholders and working together across the Commission and the objectives are aligned with internationally agreed targets under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the World Health Organisation targets on non- communicable diseases.

Although this approach is not biomedical, it takes into account a wide range of determinants and risk factors across sectors and policies.

The current efforts are focused on the delivery of the 20 concrete flagship initiatives that will be implemented by different Commission services and by the Member States.

In support of these efforts, the Member States are already working together at the subgroup on mental health of the Expert Group on Public Health (2) to develop concrete actions, such as common EU guidance on tackling stigma and discrimination in the area of mental health.

1 ∙ ⸱ https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-06/com_2023_298_1_act_en.pdf

2 ∙ ⸱ https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/expert-group-public-health_en