An initiative of the European Federation of Neurological Associations
The Interest Group on Brain Health and Neurological Conditions is focused on the following thematic areas:
Eradicate stigma, isolation and discrimination:
Ensure equitable access to treatment, services, and support:
Promote patient empowerment for increased engagement:
Background to the MEP Interest Group on Brain Health and Neurological Conditions
The MEP Interest Group on Brain Health and Neurological Conditions is an initiative of the European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA), who will provide secretariat to the Group.
The MEP Interest Group aims to raise political awareness of the impact of neurological conditions in Europe. It encourages patient-centric policy solutions aiming to prioritise these disorders, decrease stigma, increase access to treatment, encourage research, promote patient empowerment, and improve quality of life overall. As an initiative led by a patient organisation, the Interest Group’s work and recommendations aim to ensure that its policy solutions align with patients’ preferences and that their meaningful involvement is enshrined and supported in all arising policy actions.
Brain health is an evolving concept, attracting increasing attention not only from the health sector but also from wider society. The brain and central nervous system are the command centre of the human body, controlling both conscious and unconscious body functions and thereby influencing every aspect of life. If our brains are challenged by disease or other factors, this poses significant risks not only to an individual’s overall health and well-being, but also to global development.
Neurological conditions affect the central and/or peripheral nervous system and include neuro-degenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, cerebrovascular diseases including stroke, neuroinfectious/neuro-immunological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, along with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. They also encompass well known diseases such as migraine and epilepsy, as well as many rare and neglected diseases.
Neurological conditions tend to be chronic, life-long conditions. As such, they require coordinated, multidisciplinary, integrated management and rehabilitation; delivered through a stepped model of care. Across the neurological disorders there is a major lack of awareness – many are neglected and, even, contested. This leads to stigma, discrimination and limited access to treatment, services and supports.
It is estimated that 1 in 3 people will develop a neurological condition at some point in their life, making them the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and the 2nd leading cause of death globally. In Europe, they are the 3rd leading cause of death and DALYs.
The cost of neurological conditions in Europe is €336 billion annually – and growing.
Due to their immense burden, neurological and mental health conditions were added to the list of priority non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018.
With the NCD Initiative and the Global action plan set in motion, the European community is now presented with a unique window of opportunity to provide an integrated and cross-sectorial response to neurological health. Investing in this holistic model can bring measurable health and economic gains to European countries. This includes decreasing the incidence of brain health and neurological conditions, improving survival rates, reducing complications and disability, lowering treatment costs and – ultimately – ensuring a better quality of life for all those affected.
To drive this agenda forward, the MEP Interest Group on Brain Health and Neurological Conditions will provide an advocacy platform for stakeholders from across the brain health and neurology communities, with the patient voice at its core.
Dear Members of the European Parliament,
Please register your support for the MEP Interest Group on Brain Health and Neurological Conditions by digitally signing here.
You might also consider downloading the PDF version of our signature card to print, sign and share in a photograph on social media! Tag us on Twitter at @EUneurology, or send an email with your image to advocacy[at]efna.net, and we will share this on your behalf.
Register of MEP Supporters for the 2024-2029 mandate:
Tilly Metz
Luxembourg, Greens/EFA
Billy Kelleher
Ireland, Renew Europe Group
Romana Jerković
Croatia, S&D
Tomislav Sokol
Croatia, EPP
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú
Ireland, Renew Europe Group
Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis
Lithuania, S&D
Sirpa Pietikäinen
Finland, EPP
Ondřej Dostál
Czechia, Independent
Nina Carberry
Ireland, EPP
András Tivadar Kulja
Hungary, EPP
Margarita de la Pisa Carrión
Spain, PfE
Brando Benifei
Italy, S&D
Catarina Martins
Portugal, GUE/NGL
Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu
Romania, Renew Europe Group
Ana Miranda Paz
Spain, Greens/EFA
Kristian Vigenin
Bulgaria, S&D
Kathleen Funchion
Ireland, GUE/NGL
Tomáš Zdechovský
Czechia, EPP
Biljana Borzan
Croatia, S&D
Aldo Patriciello
Italy, PfE
Merja Kyllönen
Finland, GUE/NGL
Luke Ming Flanagan
Ireland, GUE/NGL
Romana Tomc
Slovenia, EPP
Angelika Winzig
Austria, EPP
Upcoming Events
Past Events
- Living With Rare Neurological Conditions and the Impact on Mental Health and Wellbeing
February 25th, 2026 – EU Parliament, Brussels - Health Literacy in Action: Enhancing Patient Outcomes and Policy Impact
October 16th, 2025 – EU Parliament, Brussels - Shaping the Future: Policy Responses to Rare Neurological Challenges
February 19th, 2025 – EU Parliament, Brussels - Invisible Issues: Bridging the gap between the perception of neurological conditions and their true impact
November 12th, 2024 – EU Parliament, Brussels - Launching PsyPal; Pioneering psilocybin-assisted therapy in palliative care
April 9th, 2024 – EU Parliament, Brussels - Patient Involvement in HTA processes: Disparities in Access across Europe from the Neurology Perspective
Nov 14th, 2023 – EU Parliament, Brussels - Making Neurology a Public Health Priority: Building Awareness & Driving Action
May 23rd, 2023 – Thon Residence EU, Brussels
The below events took place during the current Parliamentary term, under the Interest Group’s former title, the MEP Interest Group on Brain, Mind and Pain:
- Addressing gender related issues and bias in the prevention and treatment of neurological conditions
Nov 29th, 2022 – European Parliament, Brussels - Turning principles into actions: best practice in reducing health inequalities
Nov 19th, 2021 – Virtual Event - Achieving health equity after the Covid-19 pandemic
June 15th, 2021 – Virtual Event - The future of brain, mind and pain advocacy
Nov 10th, 2020 – Virtual Event - Ensuring equitable access to treatment, services and support
Nov 22nd, 2019 – European Parliament, Brussels - Fighting Discrimination at Work for those affected by neurological disorders and chronic pain conditions
March 6th, 2019 – European Parliament, Brussels
ARCHIVE
Publications of the former MEP Interest Group on Brain, Mind and Pain:
The Book of Evidence – download here
The Book of Evidence (BoE) is a key policy document focusing on Brain, Mind and Pain (BMP) disorders. It is a highly valuable and important document, which points to the urgent need for more focus on the many issues surrounding BMP disorders. It is a must read for policy makers, patient groups, and the broader stakeholder community alike.
Appendices
- Appendix 1 – Eradicate Stigma Isolation and Discrimination
- Appendix 2 – Access to Treatment Services and Support
- Appendix 3 – Patient Empowerment for Increased Involvement and Engagement
Concept notes
- The impact of Brain, Mind and Pain disorders on Women’s Health and Well-being – download here
- The Socioeconomic impact on those living with Brain, Mind and Pain disorders – download here
MEP Pledge for Brain Health and Neurological Conditions, 2024-2029
In recognition of the critical need to address the challenges posed by neurological conditions in the European Union, I hereby pledge to:
- Prioritise neurological health: Champion neurological conditions as a top health priority within the EU, advocating for increased research funding and equitable access to innovative treatments.
- Support patient-centred policies: Ensure the active involvement of neurological patients and their carers in healthcare decision-making, emphasising the development of policies that directly improve patient care and quality of life.
- Join the MEP Interest Group on Brain Health and Neurological Conditions: Commit to being an active member of this group, working collaboratively to prioritise neurological conditions and brain health within the EU legislative framework.
By signing this pledge, I commit to actively supporting initiatives that advance neurological health, research, and patient care throughout my term in the European Parliament.
The MEP Interest Group on Brain Health and Neurological Conditions is supported in 2026 by:
