Mental Health Europe welcomes the European Commission’s decision to retain the Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive 

Mental Health Europe welcomes the European Commission’s decision to reverse the withdrawal of the proposal for a Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive. Mental Health Europe, along with civil society and equality bodies had denounced the detrimental effects of this decision. In a context where discrimination, inequality and mental health challenges are growing, this renewed commitment is timely and necessary to reinforce the EU’s role in upholding fundamental rights, social inclusion, and equality, within its border and internationally. 

Why this matters for mental health 

Discrimination in all its forms has direct and lasting consequences on mental health. In the absence of strong, comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, many groups (including those with psychosocial disabilities) face greater risks of exclusion, stigmatisation, and limited access to essential services that support mental health and well-being. As highlighted in our report The mental health impacts of racial discrimination, the burden of discrimination compounds mental distress and undermines broader societal resilience. By committing to move forward with the proposed Directive, the European Commission acknowledges the urgent need to tackle these systemic inequalities and their mental health impacts. 

Our call to action 

Mental Health Europe stands ready to support progress on the proposed Directive. We urge the Council of the EU to build on this momentum and show the political courage needed to finally adopt this long-awaited legislation. The EU has a responsibility to lead by example and enshrine equality and mental well-being as pillars of its democratic project. 

Kadri Soova, Director of Mental Health Europe, said: 

“We are encouraged to see the Commission step back from withdrawing this vital Directive. Equality and mental health are inseparable, protecting one reinforces the other. We now urge Member States to work together and make this long overdue proposal a reality”