Parliamentary question

Written question to the European Commission

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 84 million people were affected by mental illness in the EU, a number which has undoubtedly increased since. The pandemic and subsequent economic crisis have placed a great burden on individuals and their mental well-being, as evidenced by the higher rates of stress, anxiety and depression. The disruptions to healthcare systems have significantly contributed to the decline in mental health, and women, young people, people in lower-income groups and people living with psychosocial disabilities are among those who have been disproportionately affected.

The mental health challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic is getting more and more complex, and without urgent action by the EU and its Member States, it will continue to have immediate and long-term consequences, including on healthcare systems. The Council of Ministers called for the development of a comprehensive European Mental Health Strategy in 2019, as did Parliament in its 2020 resolution on the EU’s public health strategy post-COVID-19, yet little progress has been made since.

1. When will the Commission present a comprehensive, long-term and human rights-compliant European Mental Health Strategy?

2. How will it minimise disparities between Member States in terms of access, treatment, and the affordability of mental health services?

3. How will it support the increasing need for the prevention of mental illness?

Answer given by Commissioner Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission

The Commission is concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Europeans. In spring 2020, the Commission opted for a pragmatic approach to respond to the challenge, engaging with mental health specialists, professional associations, healthcare representatives and patient groups. The priority is to identify promising initiatives and practices that could be implemented in the short term.

A dedicated web space within the EU Health Policy Platform was created to support stakeholders, which now gathers over eighty participants. Following an initial mapping exercise, a first webinar to share expertise and actions was organised in October 2020.

In addition, t he Commission hosted a highly impactful conference on the mental health impact of COVID 19 on 10 May 2021. Access to prevention and treatment, and promising practices to mitigate the impact of the pandemic were part of the programme.

The 2021 EU4health work programme includes EUR 750 000 for the co-funding of the implementation of best practices to tackle mental health challenges during COVID-19.

While prevention and medical care in the area of mental health is a responsibility that rests with the Member States, the Commission will continue to encourage the exchange of knowledge and the implementation of best practices in these areas.