On the occasion of Mental Health Week, starting on May 19, 2025, Dr. András Kulja, MEP, Vice Chair of ENVI, and SANT Vice Coordinator, together with MEP Zoltán Tarr, Head of Delegation, and CULT Vice-Coordinator, will host a two-day summit dedicated to mental health and recovery in modern society. Following the SANT Committee’s mission to Ukraine on the topic of mental health, MEPs will report back to the European Parliament to share their experiences and insights from the field.

Prevention and Recovery in Modern Society

The summit will bring together policymakers, mental health professionals, cultural leaders, and civil society organisations to explore how mental health challenges can be addressed in a rapidly changing and crisis-affected world. It will particularly emphasise support for vulnerable populations, trauma-informed rebuilding, and the role of culture and the arts in mental health recovery.

The discussions will aim to contribute to the ongoing EU policy debate on mental health as a societal priority, following the Commission’s Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health. A key outcome of the summit will be a renewed call for a dedicated EU Mental Health Action Plan, with a specific focus on youth. 

The first day of the summit (May 19) will focus on the mental health impact of war and crisis, addressing support for at-risk populations and strategies for resilience and trauma-informed rebuilding. The second day (May 20) will explore preventive measures, the role of cultural activities in mental well-being, and sex-specific mental health concerns, particularly focusing on women’s mental health. 

Key MEPs from the SANT, CULT, and FEMM and HOUS Committees will join the discussions.  Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi (Health and Animal Welfare) is invited to deliver a keynote speech on the opening panel on Monday 19 (tbc). Commissioner Glenn Micallef (Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport) will deliver a keynote speech on May 20. The programme is co-curated with Culture Action Europe as part of the “CARE: Culture for Mental Health” project and is supported by the European Union and the European Cultural Foundation.

Evening reception

The summit will conclude with a closing reception, co-organised by MEP András Kulja, and The Parliament Magazine, emphasising the need for an EU Action Plan on Youth Mental Health. Focusing on cross-sector collaboration, policy innovation, and increased investment, the reception will underscore the importance of placing youth mental health at the forefront of the EU’s legislative agenda. Together, we will reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that young people across Europe have access to the support and resources they need to thrive.

EBC is pleased to be part of the closing reception where Frédéric Destrebecq, EBC Executive Director, will deliver a keynote speech on this occasion. You can register your interest for the closing reception here.