On 24 June, the European Parliament hosted the high-level policy debate “Future of the Younger Generation: How to Curb the Addiction Epidemic and Protect Europe’s Brain Capital”, bringing together policymakers, clinicians, researchers and civil society representatives to discuss the growing impact of nicotine addiction on youth mental health and brain development. Hosted by MEP Elżbieta Łukacijewska and co-hosted by MEP Adam Jarubas, Chair of the Committee on Public Health (SANT), the event focused on the need for stronger European action in the context of the upcoming revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD3). Discussions explored evidence-based measures to reduce youth exposure to novel nicotine products, strengthen product regulation, and promote brain health as a public health priority.
The European Brain Council was pleased to contribute to this important dialogue through the participation of Stephanie Kramer, Deputy Executive Director, who joined an interdisciplinary panel of experts examining the links between nicotine use, brain health and mental wellbeing. The discussion highlighted the importance of protecting the developing brain, preventing addiction from an early age, and ensuring that future European policies are informed by scientific evidence.
