Mental Health is a crucial part of building a fair and inclusive Europe

On 16^th April the La Hulpe Declaration on the Future of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which sets out the framework for the EU’s work on social issues for the next five years, was signed by the EU institutions, social partners, and civil society. Crucially, it mentions building further on the Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health.

Mental Health Europe commits to providing expertise and holding the signatories to account regarding their promises to create social progress. Only by addressing the determinants of mental health, protecting rights, and promoting positive mental health can the commitments made in this declaration   – to a social Europe, to social and economic progress, and to equal opportunities – be met.

The declaration reaffirms the EU’s commitment to the European Pillar of Social Rights, the set of 20 principles guiding Europe towards fairness and inclusivity. Mental Health Europe believes that the European Pillar of Social Rights and the upcoming renewal of its action plan will be essential in addressing the determinants of mental health. Mental Health Europe stands ready to work with the next EU leadership and offer our expertise to ensure that the EU delivers on the promises of the European Pillar of Social Rights, ensuring that everyone’s mental health thrives across their life-course.

The social platform has published a statement, explaining that: The La Hulpe Declaration is critical to keeping the EPSR high on the agenda, however the finalised Declaration does not reflect the ambition that the people of Europe, Social Platform, and our members, see for the future of social Europe. Political compromises have diluted what should have been a compelling vision for a better society.