The mental health of the EU's population is a value by itself, and a key determinant for health and quality of life. It is an important factor for the realisation of the EU's strategic objectives: prosperity, solidarity and social cohesion, security.

The situation in the EU is marked by significant differences with regard to the mental health status, mental health policies and systems in Member States. At the same time, a commonality across the EU is the increase of diagnosed mental disorders, which severe and growing implications for health, economic and social systems. It can be expected that this trend will continue.

Mental health is a priority of public health policy at Community-level and it is also addressed by other Community policies. Action at EU-level needs to respect subsidiarity and the diversity of situations in Member States. Strengthened exchange and cooperation between Member States can help to tackle the existing inequalities, and action through Community policies can complement measures in Member States.

Experiences through the EU Public Health Programme (2003-2008) showed that responding to the challenges of mental ill health is more effective, if it involves the range of policies and actors who have an influence on the mental health of the population, such as the health, educational and workplaces' areas. The important role of mental health promotion, prevention, early recognition and combating stigma, further to treatment, care and reabilitaion, is now well established.

In October 2005, the European Commission published a consultative Green paper on Mental Health. In this document it proposed the development of a strategy on mental health at EU-level, in line with the competencies established in the European Treaties. The document proposed the following priorities: mental health promotion; prevention of mental disorders and suicidal behaviour; raising the quality of life of people experiencing mental disorders through social inclusion and the protection of their rights and dignity; providing mental health information and research. The document argued that action on mental health at EU-level could promote the exchange and coordination between Member States and between the relevant sectors.

The Green paper initiative attracted much interest and support among EU-institutions, in Member States, in the health and social sectors as well as among patient and family organisations and the civil society. A White Paper to be presented in spring 2007 will draw the conclusions from the consultation.