“Leading not Lagging” - PAREA launches policy paper urging Europe to lead on mental health innovation

🚨 New PAREA Policy Paper: “Leading, not Lagging: Putting Mental Health at the Core of Europe’s Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda.”

To mark European Mental Health Week, we are proud to launch our new policy paper, urging the EU to take global leadership in mental health innovation.

Mental health is not just another disease area — it is a foundational layer that underpins every aspect of human life and societal functioning. Yet, it remains structurally neglected in research and innovation policy.

The paper outlines five concrete proposals to anchor mental health within EU life sciences and research strategies — including stronger R&D incentives, coordinated strategic planning, and better integration into regulatory and funding systems.

For the first time in decades, transformative solutions - including psychedelic therapies - are within reach. Europe has the opportunity not just to catch up, but to lead.

Read the full policy paper.