Joint Statement: European Care Alliance Calls for Decisive Investments in Care Services

Mental Health Europe calls for dedicated EU investment in care and mental health under the next EU budget

As part of the European Care Alliance, Mental Health Europe joins the call for EU institutions to earmark funding for the European Care Strategy under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034).

Access to quality, affordable, and community-based care is not only a matter of social justice — it is essential to mental health and wellbeing across Europe. Without clear financial commitments to care services, the ambitions of the European Care Strategy risk remaining words on paper.

Mental Health Europe urges EU leaders to:

• Integrate the European Care Strategy into the upcoming NRP and ESF+ regulations;

• Ensure transparent and measurable indicators for both formal and informal carers; and

• Recognise care as a pillar of social investment, central to a fair and resilient Europe.

As Europe faces rising inequality, demographic change, and a mental health crisis, investment in care is investment in people — in dignity, inclusion, and mental wellbeing for all.