The value of arts therapy in tackling the growing mental health crisis in Europe
27.10.2021
Question for written answer E-004906/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Frédérique Ries (Renew)
In view of the growing mental health crisis facing Europe, which has been exacerbated by circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that the European Union employs every instrument at its disposal to support its Member States in providing effective mental healthcare.
The Commission recently responded to written question E-003519/2021 by highlighting that while healthcare is a responsibility that rests with Member States, the EU can still perform an important role in the exchange of knowledge and the implementation of best practices. It is clear that mental health is an area that could benefit from greater cooperation and solidarity.
The recent Baltic initiative for European arts therapy promotes horizontal regulatory cooperation between Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to enable professional arts therapists to use their qualifications in multiple EU Member States. The initiative has strong potential for pan-European application.
Considering this:
- 1.Does the Commission recognise the value of arts therapy in tackling the growing mental health crisis in Europe?
- 2.Will it incorporate and promote arts therapy as a promising tool for mental health support that can be implemented in the short term? Could the Baltic initiative become a model for wider application across Europe?