Migraine is a complex and often debilitating bio-neurological disorder affecting a significant portion of the global population. Despite being the second leading cause of years lived with disability globally, as reported in the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study, migraine remains underrecognised and undertreated. This lack of attention results in delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and substantial socioeconomic costs.

Policymakers have a unique opportunity to implement changes that can significantly improve the lives of people with migraines while reducing the economic burden associated with inadequate care.

This white paper advocates for the inclusion of migraine in the 2025 EU Neurological Health Strategy, stressing the importance of treating it as a serious neurological disorder that demands coordinated action at both European and national levels. Drawing on conclusions from a 2024 policy roundtable at the European Headache Congress, it highlights key priorities to improve migraine care across the EU, including enhancing medical education, streamlining care pathways, implementing workplace interventions, and improving access to innovation and commitment on policy recognition.

The paper also serves as a tool for national advocacy, supporting alignment between national and EU strategies. By encouraging collaboration among stakeholders —patient groups, healthcare professionals, and policymakers— it aims to build a more integrated and equitable approach to migraine care. This document provides timely, evidence-based recommendations to address persistent gaps in migraine treatment and policy.

On 28 May 2025, Spain took a crucial step in addressing one of the most urgent health and social challenges of our time with the launch of the Plan Español del Cerebro (PEC, Spanish Brain Plan). Developed and presented by the Consejo Español del Cerebro (Spanish Brain Council, CEC) at the Spanish Medical Association (OMC) in Madrid, this new national strategy brings together leading scientific societies, patient organisations, researchers and healthcare professionals to coordinate action against the growing burden of brain disorders.

This strategy responds to a critical reality: nearly 43% of the Spanish population – over 21 million people – are living with a brain condition, neurological and psychiatric alike, which now stand as the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death in the country. The PEC aims to provide a comprehensive, multisectoral framework to improve brain health outcomes in line with World Health Organization objectives and the European Brain Council’s call for national brain plans across Europe.

Structured around five priority pillars – data and impact, equitable care, research, prevention and social participation – the PEC is a concrete roadmap to reduce disease burden, address territorial inequalities and promote brain health across the life course. It calls for increased investment in neuroscience research, the implementation of integrated care models, the development of national indicators of impact, the support to early detection strategies and the establishment of an Iberian Brain Observatory in partnership with Portugal.

As national brain strategies become increasingly recognised as vital tools to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and tackle the burden of brain disorders, Spain joins a growing number of countries taking strategic action to integrate brain health into public policy and healthcare reform.

The Spanish Brain Plan represents an essential development – one that aligns with global momentum and has the potential to improve lives, support health system sustainability and contribute to a brain-healthy European Union. EBC will continue to support national efforts like the PEC and advocate for their uptake across the EU.