Hybrid meeting: ‘A comprehensive approach to mental health in Europe: plan, act, change’

European Parliament, Brussels

21 March, 10:00 – 12:00 CET

Room A5E-3 in the European Parliament or Online

SAVE-THE-DATE

The co-chairs of the Coalition for Mental Health and Wellbeing and the MEP Alliance for Mental Health would like to warmly invite you to participate in our joint meeting, addressing the European Commission’s current efforts to develop a ‘comprehensive approach to mental health’.

In her September State of the Union address, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the publication of a new initiative on mental health in 2023, as one of the outcomes of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

Now is the time to take action. The COVID-19 pandemic has truly put the spotlight on mental health and its importance. The rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness and addiction, already increasing as a consequence of the pandemic and related measures, have continued to rise. Moreover, the pandemic has revealed systemic problems in the way society addresses and supports mental health, as services have not been able to keep up with growing demand. In addition, the ongoing war in Ukraine and its consequences on the cost of living, as well as uncertainty about the immediate and long-term future, have created new forms of stress and anxiety, impacting mental health.

Given the obvious importance of mental health, it is clear that a comprehensive EU-level approach to mental health is a necessity for many people, as the initiative is being welcomed across the board. However, its output, impact and success will depend on its development in the coming months.

Ahead of the European Commission’s adoption of a Communication on this approach in the second quarter of 2023, we are gathering relevant stakeholders to discuss the content and structure of the upcoming initiative.

The event’s main objectives are twofold:

• Provide a platform for input and discussion for MEPs and stakeholders, including suggestions with respect to the design and content of a comprehensive approach to mental health; and
• Enter into dialogue with the Commission on the state of play, timeline, and content of the initiative.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday 21st of March between 10:00 and 12:00 in a hybrid format (online and in the European Parliament). A draft agenda will be shared soon.

If you are interested in participating, register here before 3 March.

Since in-person attendance is limited to room capacity (40 people), we cannot guarantee a place for all those who wish to attend in person. Online participation will in any case be possible. You will be asked to express your preference for online or in-person attendance when registering, and we will come back to you with a confirmation after the above-mentioned deadline.