No Health Without Brain Health

Prioritising Brain Health in the European Union to Leave No One Behind.

Society is facing brain challenges like never before — improving the health and wellbeing of citizens has become the top priority for many governments and brain health should not be left behind. 2024 was a pivotal year as 64 countries worldwide hosted major elections and major political, economic, and overall societal shifts and instability continue to unravel. The No Health Without Brain Health campaign aims to put a spotlight on the urgency of addressing the growing burden, the socioeconomic impacts and the need to significantly increase investment in the brain R&D space. 

Our Call

During the 2024 Brain Awareness Week, EBC kicked off the No Health Without Brain Health campaign in the European Parliament, also launching EBC’s 2024 EU Elections Manifesto echoing the Pledge for Science and bolstering EBC’s EU Health Policy Platform Thematic Network, “Towards an EU Coordination Plan for the Brain”. The campaign was structured around two priority policy asks: the creation of a European Parliament Intergroup on Brain Health and Research and increased support to the creation of EU and National Brain plans.

While EBC’s proposal for an Intergroup on Brain Health and Brain Research did not go through to the list of selected intergroups for the upcoming mandate – despite the proposal gaining the support of four key MEPs across four main political groups – the campaign also demonstrated that, when united, the brain community can reach a significant number of policymakers and make its voice heard. A proposal for an Intergroup dedicated to Mental Health specifically, however, did go through.  With over 100 MEPs supporting the proposal for establishing an Intergroup on Brain Health and Research, this demonstrates the growing traction of brain health  as a pressing issue for decision makers.

The campaign continued before, during and after the European Elections and was a continued exercise of dialogue with policymakers, social media campaigns, news and joint statements and engagement with the wider community. The main focus of the campaign now is to support the creation of EU and National Brain plans.

Translated Versions

They Talk about the Campaign

Our Policy Asks

What is an European Parliament Intergroup?

An European Parliament Intergroup is an informal grouping of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from different political groups and committees who share a common interest in a specific issue. These groups facilitate cross-party dialogue, raise awareness, and promote policies related to their focus area within the European Parliament. Intergroups play a key role in fostering collaboration between MEPs, experts, stakeholders, and civil society, helping to shape legislation and influence EU policies. They provide a unique platform for interaction, ensuring that critical issues like brain health receive the attention they both need and deserve, while grounding policymaking in evidence-based scientific knowledge. By bringing together diverse perspectives, Intergroups help build consensus and drive forward impactful initiatives.

 

Why set up such an Intergroup?

Brain disorders, neurological and mental alike, affect everyone in Europe. However, brain health remains underprioritized in policy agendas. With the burden of brain disorders at an all-time high, it is essential that we prioritize the health and wellbeing of our citizens. An Intergroup on Brain Health and Research will:

  • Promote the development of EU and national brain plans to tackle brain disorders,
  • Drive increased attention for brain health, not only from within the wider brain community but also from EU policymakers and the public,
  • Influence the EU policy agenda and initiatives that will make a significant difference for people living with brain disorders,
  • Help exchange of best practices between Member States.

 

How are Intergroups created?

Intergroups are established at the beginning of each parliamentary term. To form an Intergroup, a declaration of support must be signed by a minimum of MEPs from each parliamentary group.
Additionally, at least three MEPs from different groups must agree to serve as co-chairs. This collaborative effort ensures broad support and engagement across the political spectrum.

Following the lead of several European countries, we call for the continued creation of national brain plans and a comprehensive European brain strategy. This will aid in the positioning of brain health at the policy level, leading to increased awareness around protecting brain health, further investment in brain research and innovation, and improved care for the millions of Europeans living with brain conditions, neurological and mental alike.

How You Can Help

Advocate

Communicate

Disseminate

Connect

Spread the word about the campaign to your national policymakers or to your representatives in the European Parliament.

When reaching out to policymakers, you can ask what their party or political group has planned to help tackle the burden of brain disorders, support European research and innovation, and improve prevention, diagnostic, treatment and care.

If you represent an organization, you are more than welcome to support our Call to Action: “A Place for Brain Health at the Top of EU Policy Agendas”. Please note that we only accept signatures from organizations, not from individuals.

Help us amplify the message of the No Health Without Brain Health campaign by sharing our posts on social media. Use the hashtag #NoHealthWithoutBrainHealth, tag EBC, and encourage your followers to join the conversation. Your support can make a huge difference in raising awareness and driving action!

You can help disseminate the No Health Without Brain Health campaign by sharing our information through your networks, either professional or personal. Post our updates, articles, and graphics on your social media channels, newsletters, and websites. Your efforts can significantly boost awareness and support for this campaign.

You can connect the No Health Without Brain Health campaign to relevant initiatives or events by integrating our message into your activities. Mention the campaign in your event speeches, panel discussions, and workshops. Collaborate with us to co-host events or webinars that align with our goals. Linking our campaign to related health and research initiatives can amplify our collective impact and drive meaningful change in brain health policies.

Communication Toolkit

The Campaign in the Media

More investment should be made in brain research

Published in Helsingin Sanomat

No Health Without Brain Health

Published in The Parliament Magazine

Spanish Brain Council calls on the European Parliament to support brain health policies

Published in Infosalus

The brain should be a European research and health priority

Published on Vita

100 organisations call for action on brain health

Euractiv (Pro)

EU Brain Thematic Network Meets to Develop Policy Statement

Published on MedScape

Prioritizing Brain Health

Published on Mzdrowie

European policy should address brain diseases

Published on ISB Zdrowie

Organisations Supporting the Joint Statement

Portuguese Brain Council
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