On 10 September 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her State of the Union address at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. This annual speech sets out the EU’s priorities and direction for the year ahead. Yet this year, mental health was not mentioned.
A Missed Opportunity
This omission, combined with the absence of dedicated funding for mental health in the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), has raised concern. The 2023 Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health was a milestone in recognising psychological well-being at the EU level. However, without follow-up, its momentum risks being lost.
For advocates, patients, and health professionals, the lack of reference to mental health in this year’s speech represents a missed opportunity to keep the issue at the forefront of European policymaking.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health is central to the lives of millions of Europeans. It also has profound implications for both societies and economies. Without continued high-level recognition, commitments made in 2023 may fail to translate into sustainable action.
GAMIAN-Europe’s Call to Action
GAMIAN-Europe therefore calls for concrete EU action to:
Establish a strong, coherent EU-wide mental health strategy, building on the 2023 Comprehensive Approach.
Secure a clear, ring-fenced place for mental health in the 2028–2034 MFF, ensuring transparent and sustained funding.
Guarantee EU support through programmes like EU4Health, Horizon Europe, and the European Social Fund+.
Strengthen coordination and the sharing of best practices among Member States via EU platforms, joint actions, and recommendations.
Integrate mental health into all relevant EU policies, including digital, education, employment, youth, and social inclusion.
Improve EU-level data collection and monitoring to support evidence-based policies.
Lead by example by fostering mentally healthy workplaces within EU institutions and promoting mental health globally.
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