Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001684/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI)
According to the latest figures, 46 % of EU citizens have experienced an emotional or psychosocial problem in the last year, while 20 % of young people aged 15-19 live with a mental health disorder. 22 % even reported that their medical needs were not being met.
The unacceptable state of mental health structures is the result of the continual anti-grassroots policy followed by governments, most recently demonstrated by the law just passed by the Nea Dimokratia Government. As part of the so-called ‘psychiatric reform’, a single network of mental health services has been created, involving public and private sector participation and entailing the closure of two of the three remaining National Health Service hospitals specialising in psychiatry. Care for the mentally ill is deteriorating dramatically and is becoming a goldmine for private clinics and NGOs, also thanks to the EU’s push for ‘de-institutionalisation’.
In light of the above, can the Commission answer the following:
- 1.What view does it take of the fact that the single network of mental health services is leading to the dramatic deterioration of mental health services, with the further closure of the two psychiatric hospitals and the involvement of NGOs and civil non-profit companies, since it is based on criteria relating to the profitability of the groups involved rather than treatment, which stems from the cost-benefit policy and paves the way for further commercialisation and privatisation of health services?
- 2.What view does it take of the fact that the mental health of young people is deteriorating, with 49 % of young people not receiving the necessary support, due to the strategy – followed by the EU and national governments – of understaffing and shutting down structures at EU level?
Submitted: 28.4.2025