Europe’s next budget must invest in people, not just priorities

16 October 2026 – Brussels, Belgium

Mental Health Europe has joined the EUFunds4Social Coalition in calling on EU leaders to protect and strengthen social investment in the EU’s next long-term budget. Because funding decisions are ultimately decisions about people’s lives and wellbeing.

Ahead of the European Council meeting on 15–16 October 2026, the coalition published an open letter urging European leaders to put people and communities at the heart of the 2028–2034 EU budget.

The letter warns that current proposals risk weakening Europe’s ability to tackle rising inequality, social exclusion and underinvestment in public services.

Why social investment matters for mental health

Mental health does not exist in isolation. It is shaped by the conditions in which we live, work and participate in society.

Access to quality services, secure employment, housing and social protection all contribute to our wellbeing. When these foundations are weakened, people face greater insecurity and barriers to support.

EU funding programmes play a crucial role in strengthening these foundations, particularly for people and communities facing exclusion.

A call for stronger, protected social funding

The EUFunds4Social Coalition is calling on European leaders to:

• Protect dedicated funding for social and regional development, including the European Social Fund and European Regional Development Fund.
• Increase social spending from the proposed 14% to at least 25% of National and Regional Partnership Plans.
• Ensure direct EU funding for civil society, social innovation and cross-border cooperation.
• Strengthen meaningful participation of civil society and people with lived experience in funding decisions.

The coalition also calls for an ambitious overall EU budget that safeguards social rights and supports quality public services.

Investing in people is investing in Europe’s future

For Mental Health Europe, a stronger Europe means investing in the social conditions that allow people and communities to thrive.

EU funding must remain accessible to organisations working directly with communities, while people with lived experience must have a meaningful say in shaping programmes and priorities.

Europe’s next budget should be measured not only by how much it spends, but by the difference it makes in people’s lives.