GAMIAN-Europe, in collaboration with Mental Health Europe (MHE), is driving a campaign for the establishment of a Mental Health Intergroup within the European Parliament. This ambitious initiative, led by Alex Agius Saliba (S&D) and Maria Walsh (EPP), aims to make mental health a key priority in EU policymaking. So far, the campaign has received support from around 30 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), with momentum building as the October deadline for intergroup submissions approaches. The final decision on which intergroups will be officially approved is expected by mid-December.
The proposed Mental Health Intergroup seeks to bring together MEPs from across political groups and EU member states, all committed to promoting mental health as a critical public health issue. The intergroup would serve as a platform for advocating mental health across various sectors and for pushing legislative efforts that promote mental health awareness, investment, and support services throughout Europe.
Advocacy Campaigns to Secure Broader Support
GAMIAN-Europe has been working diligently to rally further backing from newly elected MEPs and parliamentary committees. Advocacy letters have been sent to MEPs, urging them to support the creation of the intergroup and to prioritize mental health initiatives in their respective policy areas. These efforts have been particularly well-received by members of the SANT (Public Health) subcommittee and the EMPL (Employment) committee, both of which are integral to advancing mental health issues in the European Parliament. Many positive responses from these MEPs indicate a strong potential for wider political support, signalling growing recognition of the need to elevate mental health on the EU agenda.
Pushing for a Comprehensive EU Mental Health Strategy
As part of the campaign, GAMIAN-Europe has also submitted a key question to the ENVI Committee (responsible for environmental, public health, and food safety issues) to present during the Commissioner-designate for Health’s upcoming hearing. The question highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive EU mental health strategy—a clear, coordinated approach to addressing mental health issues across member states. This comes in response to repeated calls from the European Parliament and recent EU Presidencies for concrete actions to improve mental health systems and services.
The campaign specifically asks the Commissioner-designate to confirm whether there are plans to introduce a stand-alone EU mental health strategy, similar to the Beating Cancer Plan, during their mandate. Such a strategy would ensure that mental health receives the same high-level attention and resources as other key public health concerns, creating a roadmap for addressing mental health challenges on a pan-European scale.
Broader Political and Societal Impact
The formation of a Mental Health Intergroup is seen as a crucial step towards embedding mental health into EU policies. It would provide a formal mechanism for MEPs to collaborate, share knowledge, and advocate for stronger mental health policies, ensuring the issue remains a priority across all legislative domains, from healthcare and social services to education and employment.
The intergroup would also work to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health, promoting awareness campaigns and legislative action to ensure better access to mental health services, more robust mental health support systems, and increased investment in mental health research and innovation. With mental health becoming an increasingly critical public health issue—especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic—the intergroup would ensure that policymakers respond with the urgency and seriousness the issue deserves.
GAMIAN-Europe and MHE will continue to campaign vigorously over the coming months, seeking additional support from MEPs and parliamentary committees ahead of the October deadline. The creation of the Mental Health Intergroup could have a lasting impact on mental health policy in Europe, helping to ensure that mental health remains a top priority in EU decision-making for years to come.
For now, all eyes are on the Commissioner-designate for Health’s response, as it will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mental health policies in Europe. The confirmation of a stand-alone EU mental health strategy could be a game-changer in the fight to provide better care and support for millions of citizens across the continent.
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