Launch of the European Citizens’ Initiative for mental health in the European Parliament in Brussels
Over 100 citizens from 17 EU Member States, 2 European countries, 2 non-European countries (at least) gathered at the European Parliament on February 6th, 2025, for the groundbreaking launch of the European Citizens’ Initiative for mental health: “Unlocking The Potential of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies for Europe’s Mental Health Crisis”.
Théo Giubilei, founder of PsychedeliCare, shared the vision and goals driving our initiative, while Laetitia Vanderijst, PhD student FRNS-ULB, provided insights into psychedelic substances. David Erritzoe, Clinical Director and Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry at Imperial College London, presented the latest research developments in the field. Andrea Siclari shared his transformative experience with psychedelic-assisted therapy in Switzerland in addressing his existential distress. PAREA’s Francisca Silva concluded by discussing European research funding and the innovative PsyPal project, followed by an enriching dialogue with attendees.
This important event, opening with an address by Frédéric Destrebecq, Executive Director of the European Brain Council, was made possible through the support of MEP Tilly Metz (Greens/EFA) and MEP Tomislav Sokol (EPP).
Now, our path for timely, affordable, safe, and legal access to innovative psychedelic-assisted therapies, is simple: gathering one million European signatures to turn this vision into reality.
“Eventually every EU citizen, if needed, should have the possibility to access the promising treatments that psychedelic-assisted therapies represent. With this initiative, we aim to trigger European action in this direction and foster greater public understanding of these types of therapies, paving the way for enhanced research and supportive policy initiatives,” says Théo Giubilei, Founder of the PsychedeliCare Initiative.
“The PsychedeliCare Initiative empowers EU citizens to have autonomy and choice in their healthcare. Prohibition of research and access to psychedelic therapy is now a human rights issue. We are individuals fighting for access to these old and innovative medicines” emphasizes Ciara Reynolds, Founder of Iaso Institute Ireland, National Coordinator for Ireland.
“With this initiative, we activists want to create a future where psychedelic-assisted therapies are safely and ethically integrated into our European healthcare systems, to offer a new hope to those affected by mental health challenges. We seek to advance our policies and foster international collaboration to ensure treatments are accessible and regulated” stresses Audrey Bourget, Communication Strategist for PsychedeliCare.
To achieve this goal, we need 1 million signatures from EU citizens by January 2026. To participate in the movement:
● You can sign the initiative online
● Find out more about our Initiative, its purpose and our requests to the
European Commission here: www.psychedelicare.eu
● You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for updates,
events, and advocacy opportunities.
For interviews, inquiries, or further information, please contact us at press@psychedelicare.eu
This is more than a petition – it’s a continent-wide movement to redefine mental healthcare in Europe. With the support of our Partners across Europe, let’s care together for the mind.
