What steps should the EU take to create a unified Neurological Health Strategy? What should this strategy include?
Isabel Klinnert: Given that brain disorders affect over 165 million people and cost European healthcare systems €800 billion, the EU should prioritise brain health as a vital component of public health. A unified Neurological Health Strategy, supported by the European Parliament's initiative report, must include concrete actions, such as establishing national brain health task forces and implementing pilot programs for effective interventions. The strategy should align with the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) and focus on innovation throughout the lifecycle of brain health, enhancing patient outcomes and strengthening healthcare systems across Europe.
Romana Tomc: Neurological disorders cost Europe over €800 billion annually in healthcare and lost productivity. Firstly, under Article 168 TFEU, health policy remains a member state competence: the EU's role is to support and coordinate, not mandate. However, the EU must position neurological health as a political priority. We should establish a comprehensive framework addressing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research coordination.
This strategy should include harmonised data-sharing protocols across member states, standardised care pathways for major neurological conditions, and dedicated funding mechanisms. Key components should cover workforce development for neurological specialists, digital health infrastructure for remote monitoring, and patient registry systems enabling cross-border research. The strategy needs clear targets for reducing neurological disease burden and addressing health inequalities across regions.
As the US and China quickly advance in neuroscience, how can Europe improve its competitiveness in brain health research and encourage breakthroughs?
IK: To enhance competitiveness in brain health research, Europe should prioritise it as a key technology. EU leaders must integrate brain research into the “Choose Europe for Life Sciences” agenda. This involves developing a robust European brain research and innovation plan, supported by the European Brain Health Partnership, which ensures long-term funding and streamlined access to high-quality brain data via the European Health Data Space (EHDS).
To create an integrated brain research and care environment, Europe should harmonise existing initiatives into a cohesive ecosystem that connects data, clinical trials, and care structures for individuals affected by brain conditions
Additionally, creating interoperable infrastructures accessible across Member States will facilitate collaboration and innovation, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and a stronger healthcare framework throughout Europe.
RT: Europe faces a geopolitical reality: losing the neuroscience race means losing economic leadership and strategic autonomy. We must significantly increase public and private investment in neuroscience research, creating competitive funding programs. Establishing centres of excellence that bring together interdisciplinary teams, neuroscientists, AI specialists, engineers, and clinicians, would accelerate innovations. The EU should streamline research grant processes, reduce administrative burdens, and create attractive career pathways to retain top talent.
Strategic partnerships between academia and industry, coupled with intellectual property frameworks that incentivise innovation while ensuring public benefit, are essential. Europe should leverage its strengths in ethics and responsible innovation as competitive advantages. It is the right timing; we are in the planning of the next MFF.
How can Europe build an integrated brain research environment that accelerates innovation and provides faster patient access to new treatments?
IK: To create an integrated brain research and care environment, Europe should harmonise existing initiatives into a cohesive ecosystem that connects data, clinical trials, and care structures for individuals affected by brain conditions. Regulators and HTA bodies must systematically incorporate high-quality RWE alongside clinical trial data.
Additionally, they should promote the use of Patient Experience Data, co-developed with patients, to capture insights on cognition, function, quality of life, and digital biomarkers. These steps will ensure that research and care are closely aligned with the lived experiences of patients, ultimately improving outcomes and support.
RT: An integrated brain research ecosystem requires breaking down walls between institutions, disciplines, and countries. This means creating shared research infrastructures which are accessible across Europe. Digital platforms enabling real time data sharing while protecting privacy are crucial.
Regulatory harmonisation for clinical trials would eliminate duplicative approval processes, accelerating the path from laboratory to patient. Public-private partnerships should facilitate translation of basic research into treatments. Patient involvement throughout the research process ensures relevance and faster adoption of innovations.
Global estimates suggest that improving prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation for brain health could save over €4 trillion by 2030
As the EU works on the Biotech Act and a neurological action plan, what goals should it set for brain health in 2026 and what does effective regulation look like?
IK: The EU should leverage the Biotech Act and a neurological action plan to establish a clear goal for 2026: to make Europe the most favorable environment for developing, testing, and delivering innovative brain health solutions. Achieving this requires strong political commitment, reducing regulatory hurdles, and ensuring coherence among the Pharmaceutical Package, the upcoming Biotech Act, and the implementation of the EU HTA Regulation and the EHDS.
Success in 2026 will be measured by reduced innovation barriers, shorter clinical trial timelines, and improved conditions for increased investments in brain health research and development.
RT: The EU can advance brain health in 2026 while respecting subsidiarity by focusing on areas where collective action adds value: supporting Member States in reducing diagnostic delays through shared benchmarks, expanding cross-border research infrastructure, and improving clinical trial coordination.
It should develop interoperable data standards via an EU Brain Data Space and create adaptive, risk-based regulatory pathways for neurotechnologies and AI without encroaching on national healthcare decisions. Effective regulation sets safety, ethical, and transparency standards for high-risk innovations while streamlining oversight for lower-risk tools, ensuring innovation, patient protection, and flexibility for diverse national health systems.
As brain capital becomes a key focus for driving economic growth, innovation, and societal progress, which specific initiatives should we prioritise to enhance brain health?
IK: Global estimates suggest that improving prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation for brain health could save over €4 trillion by 2030. To capitalise on this potential, the EU must recognise "brain capital," which encompasses individuals' cognitive abilities to learn and engage in society, and the "brain economy," which relies on healthy brains. Conditions like depression, dementia, and stroke not only push individuals out of the workforce but also impose significant costs on families providing unpaid care.
Strategic partnerships between academia and industry, coupled with intellectual property frameworks that incentivise innovation while ensuring public benefit, are essential
Therefore, the EU's brain health agenda should prioritise investments in prevention, early detection, treatment, and caregiving to protect brain capital and reduce economic burdens. Concrete actions could include expanding mental health programs, enhancing access to rehabilitation services, and promoting public awareness campaigns about brain health.
RT: Key actions should include teaching brain health from an early age and promoting habits that protect thinking and memory throughout life. Workplaces should support mental wellbeing and reduce stress, since this strengthens people’s brain capital. Investing in tools that detect diseases like Alzheimer’s early allows action before serious damage happens.
Schools and employers should also support people with different neurological profiles so everyone can contribute fully. Digital skills and lifelong learning help keep the brain active as people age. Finally, tackling issues such as poverty, pollution, and poor nutrition is essential for fair brain health across society.
These efforts need strong cooperation across health, education, employment, and environmental policies. The EU’s success will depend on political will, long-term funding, and real collaboration among Member States, recognising that brain health is vital for Europe’s future wellbeing and prosperity.
Isabel Klinnert is Director for Global Government and Public Affairs at Merck KGaA Darmstadt, Germany
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