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 is a pivotal year as 64 countries worldwide will host 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

The European Elections are a key momentum to look into the political orientations for the next years. In order to feed into these developments, the EBC has elaborated and adopted its Election Manifesto. This policy statement summarises EBC’s asks and thereby serves as baseline for policy engagement in this context.

In the continuation of the EBC Elections Manifesto, the Pledge for Science and the existing “Brain Health and Brain Research Thematic Network” on the EU Health Policy Platform, EBC has prepared a Joint Letter “Urgent Call to Action: A Place for Brain Health at the Top of EU Policy Agendas”, addressed to newly elected Members of European Parliament. The letter is calling for the formation of an Intergroup on Brain Health and Research and the continued creation of national brain plans and a comprehensive European brain strategy.

Support our Call to action

EU ELECTIONS MANIFESTO

Translated Versions

They Talk about the Campaign

Prof. Juan Lerma

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MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen

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MEP Brando Benifei

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MEP Tomáš Zdechovský

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MEP Patrizia Toia

MEP Jana Toom

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MEP Colm Markey

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Prof. Claudio Basetti

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Prof. Peter Falkai

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Prof. Martien Kas

Astri Arnesen

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Prof. Morten Grunnet

Prof. Kevin Rostasy

Suzanne Dickson

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Elena Alvarez-Baron

Stelios Kympouropoulos

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Elisa Milani

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Our Policy Asks

European Parliament Intergroup on Brain Health and Research

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.

Support the development of European and National Brain Plans

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

Advocate

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.

Communicate

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!

Disseminate

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.

Connect

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.