Elena Kountoura, a Greek MEP from The Left group, has asked the European Commission whether it plans to propose a European strategy or a dedicated action plan on the mental health of young people, with clear and measurable objectives for member states. In a written parliamentary question on 9 July 2026, Kountoura also inquired about mandatory mental health impact assessments in employment, housing and education policies, and additional steps to strengthen prevention, education and regulation of internet and social media exposure and cyberbullying.
The question cites recent OECD and Commission data showing increased rates of mental health problems among adolescents and young people due to social isolation, reduced physical activity, problematic internet use and cyberbullying. Kountoura noted that suicide is the leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds, and that one in four EU countries lacks community mental health services for children. According to the OECD, major depression, generalised anxiety and alcohol use disorders could reduce healthy life expectancy in the EU by 2.5 years over the next 25 years, causing around 28,000 premature deaths annually.
a dedicated strategy or action plan with measurable objectives, mandatory mental health impact assessments in key policy areas, and stronger regulation of internet and social media exposure. The Commission typically must reply within six weeks; its answer will signal the direction of EU policy on youth mental health.