PsychedelicsEUROPE

PsychedelicsEUROPE is an advocacy group of medical professionals, academics, and private sector stakeholders operating in Europe. Their mission revolves around transforming decades of psychedelic research and success in mental health care into a robust regulatory policy that serves the European populace.

About PsychedelicsEUROPE

The organization stands at the forefront of modernizing mental health care through psychedelic therapies. They have been instrumental in highlighting how these substances, which have been used for thousands of years to manage mental health, can play a critical role in contemporary medicine. PsychedelicsEUROPE is committed to fostering an innovative regulatory framework at the EU level that paves the way for revolutionary mental health care solutions.

Recognizing the formalization of the use of psychedelics in mental health treatment by institutions like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other global health authorities, PsychedelicsEUROPE is motivated to alter the current situation in Europe. The lack of harmonized regulations for the medicinal use of psychedelic substances within the EU inhibits efficient therapeutic use and stunts the growth of a novel and promising industry sector. PsychedelicsEUROPE aims to catalyze change, aspiring for the EU to become a global trendsetter and regulatory benchmark in the medicinal use of psychedelic substances.

The organization champions the creation of an EU-wide regulatory framework promoting the medicinal use of psychedelic substances for patient benefit, research stimulation, market rule harmonization, and providing a secure, predictable environment for companies and entrepreneurs.

Their advocacy extends to recognizing mental health as a top priority within the European Commission’s healthcare sector, preparing an EU Strategy on Mental Health encompassing progressive approaches like psychedelic treatment, and integrating the medicinal use of psychedelics into the agenda of significant initiatives such as the EU’s Year of Mental Health. Furthermore, they call for substantial financial allocations for psychedelic research in the EU and a coordinated stance on psychedelics at international platforms like the United Nations.

Through organizing educational events and fostering continuous awareness amongst key stakeholders, PsychedelicsEUROPE is steadfast in its mission to redefine Europe’s approach to mental health and pioneer new, science-backed therapies that benefit the greater populace.

About MEP Action Group

The MEP Action for the Medical Use of Psychedelics is an impactful cross-party platform in the European Parliament, established in May 2023. This action group, whose secretariat is jointly provided by PsychedelicsEUROPE and PAREA, is a critical avenue for policy discussion, awareness, and development surrounding psychedelic medicines.

This action group has outlined several key objectives that align with its mission. The group aims to serve as an educational resource for EU policymakers to amplify awareness surrounding evidence-based psychedelic science while mitigating associated stigma. They encourage pan-European scientific collaboration and promote best practices at the EU Member State level.

The MEP Action Group also actively organizes periodic meetings and issues policy recommendations. This interaction fosters an environment for promoting EU-funded research, significantly contributing to the scientific and clinical evidence supporting the safe, efficient, and effective use of psychedelic medicines.

Patient care and safety are paramount to the group. They strive to safeguard optimal patient care while endorsing the meaningful involvement of individuals with lived experience. In line with public health benefits, they ensure that the development of psychedelic treatments remains a primary focus.

The MEP Action Group strongly advocates for a harmonized EU policy and a predictable regulatory framework for psychedelic therapies. This regulatory stability benefits both patients and providers.

The group provides valuable input in ongoing legislative discussions and negotiations within the European Parliament. They promote drug policies grounded in scientific evidence and human rights, aiming to dismantle barriers inhibiting the scientific research of psychedelics and expedite access.

Above all, the MEP Action Group is driven by a vision to establish Europe as an innovation leader and a global regulatory benchmark in psychedelic science and therapies. Through its sustained efforts, it seeks to transform the landscape of mental health treatment in Europe and beyond.

PsychedelicsEUROPE Key Personnel

The secretariat (organisers) of PsychedelicsEUROPE are currently:

• Viktor Chvatal – Secretary General
• Eva Maria Kotorova – Regulatory Affairs Consultant
• Vojtech Nemec – Head of Advocacy and External Affairs

They are advised by a roster of scientists:

• Henrik Jungaberle – MIND Foundation
• Eric Vermetten – Leiden University
• Tania Re – University of Genoa
• Tomas Palenicek – National Institute of Mental Health
• Pedro Teixeira – University of Lisbon
• Martin Brunovsky – National Institute of Mental Health
• Luc Mallet – Paris-Est Créteil University
• Jiri Horacek – National Institute of Mental Health
• Patrick Fisher – Copenhagen University Hospital
• Kim Kuypers – Maastricht University
• Jan Ramaekers – Maastricht University
• Filip Tyls – National Institute of Mental Health