Policy frameworks

Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being, aims to support action across government and society in order to reduce health inequalities and improve governance for health. It calls for action to strengthen mental health promotion programmes and for further research to adapt to new challenges related to mental health.

The Minsk Declaration, which promotes the life-course approach in the context of Health 2020, is an essential step towards the implementation of Health 2020 objectives. It builds on the interaction of multiple promotive, protective and risk factors throughout people’s lives.

The promotion and protection of mental health and well-being are public health priorities embedded within the Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 3.4 specifically targets mental health; it seeks to reduce premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases by one third through prevention and treatment by 2030, and to promote mental health and well-being.

A commitment to act across multiple sectors is necessary to achieve these global goals. The indicators of a WHO/Europe joint monitoring framework will help countries track progress towards objectives and targets.

Technical Advisory Group on the mental health impacts of COVID-19 in the WHO European Region

European Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2020

(in English, French, German and Russian)

Health 2020. A European policy framework and strategy for the 21st century (2013)

The Minsk Declaration. The life-course approach in the context of Health 2020 (2015)

Fact sheets on sustainable development goals (SDGs): health targets – Mental Health (SDG target 3.4) (2017)