Brussels, Belgium: The European Parliament today marked Brain Health Day: Prevention, Policy, Progress with a high‑level programme hosted by MEP Angelika Winzig, bringing renewed political attention to Europe’s urgent need for an integrated brain health strategy.
The event comes in the wake of the SANT Public Health Committee’s hearing on brain health held on 24 February, where Members of the European Parliament highlighted the scale and rising impact of brain disorders across Europe. The committee is now actively working on the file, creating a critical window to shape the next steps of EU policy.
Senior Parliament leadership — including both the President of the European Parliament and the First Vice-President — visited the Brain Health Mission Exhibition and engaged directly with scientific, clinical and patient leaders, demonstrating growing political commitment to elevating brain health as a European priority.
The day’s programme, organised by the Brain Health Mission (BHM) in partnership with the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), the European Brain Council (EBC) and the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), featured:
- The European Brain Health Summit
- The Brain Health Mission Exhibition Opening in the European Parliament
- A European Vision for the Brain: Coordinating Research, Care & Innovation
A central message throughout all events was clear: Europe needs a coordinated, holistic plan that addresses both mental and neurological health together, recognising the shared drivers, overlapping risk factors, and deeply interconnected care and research needs that span the full spectrum of brain health.
The Summit also explored how to advance this agenda under the upcoming Irish EU Council Presidency beginning in July 2026, a key opportunity to secure long-term political commitment and embed brain health within Europe’s strategic priorities.
Quotes
“On today’s Brain Health Day, we recognise the growing impact of neurological and mental health conditions and stepping up our commitment to brain health. Just in February, the European Parliament held a public hearing to put a spotlight on this crucial issue. Across our Union, we need a comprehensive, coordinated approach to address both mental and neurological health. For this we must strengthen research and innovation, step up prevention and care, improve support systems, and close the gaps in access to diagnosis and treatment. It is exhibitions like this one, that raise awareness and make a difference. I would like to thank the organisers, the Brain Health Mission and MEP Angelika Winzig for bringing this important event to the European Parliament.”
— Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament
“The shared commitment of the Brain Health Mission is exactly the kind of collaboration Europe needs today. Embracing a holistic strategy for brain health is a tremendous opportunity. A unified approach will allow us to build a stronger, healthier and more prosperous society.”
— Sabine Verheyen, First Vice-President of the European Parliament
“Brain health is something that touches every family, every community, and every sector of our society. By bringing experts, policymakers, and people with lived experience here today, we are showing how much Europe prioritises prevention, research, and coordinated action.”
— Angelika Winzig, Member of the European Parliament & Host of Brain Health Day 2026
A Unified Vision for Europe’s Brain Health Future
Brain Health Mission partners emphasised the need for the EU to:
- Develop a European Coordination Plan for the Brain, combining mental and neurological health
- Invest in prevention, early intervention, research, and innovation
- Improve cross‑border collaboration and reduce inequalities between Member States
- Integrate brain health into education, digital policy, social policy, and employment
- Ensure that Europe’s next political cycle recognises brain health as a foundation for resilience, well‑being, and competitiveness
Neurological and mental health conditions together represent the largest cause of disability in Europe, with neuroloigical disroders alone affecting 43% of the global population and representing the leading cause of disability. Without coordinated action, the burden will continue to rise—impacting citizens, healthcare systems, and Europe’s economy.
About the Brain Health Mission
The Brain Health Mission (BHM)—founded by the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) in collaboration with EBC, FENS, and a broad network of partners is a collaborative initiative bringing together experts, patient representatives, and organisations from across Europe to advance brain health as a central priority. Its aim is promote awareness, and support prevention, early intervention, and equitable access to care for all individuals affected by neurological and mental health conditions.
