Emotional health of Europe’s youth needs public-private collaboration boost, says new report

A new report reveals that while 90% of young people prioritize emotional health, nearly half face unmet mental health needs, and struggle with high living costs, unpaid internships, and limited access to support services.

The emotional well-being of young Europeans is a critical issue highlighted in the Merck Group’s new white paper, ‘Dialogues on Emotional Health and Wellbeing: A Mosaic of Perspectives’, launched at the European Parliament in December.

Through its ‘FutURe Project’, Merck seeks to amplify youth voices and integrate their perspectives into European policymaking.

An interview with Marieta Jiménez from the Merck Group explores the motivations behind the FutURe Project, its focus on emotional health, and its goals for engaging young Europeans in shaping impactful policies.

What motivated the creation of the FutURe Project, and why was emotional health chosen as the focus of the first roundtable?

MJ: The FutURe Project emerged from Merck’s commitment to addressing the evolving needs of younger generations across Europe. These generations face unprecedented challenges, from economic pressures and environmental concerns to the growing importance of emotional health.

According to our II Merck Survey, ‘What Moves Young Europeans?’, nearly 90% of young people consider emotional health a fundamental issue in their lives.

Our goal is to provide a platform where youth voices can be heard, and their insights elevated to influence public discourse and policymaking.

The project consists of three components: the FutURe Barometer, a European survey capturing key insights into youth needs and priorities; Youth Expert Roundtables, which provide spaces for collaboration on issues such as emotional health and diversity among others; and the Internal Advocacy Platform, a network fostering dialogue and innovation among Merck employees under 30.

We chose emotional health as the initial focus because it directly impacts the personal and professional lives of young people. Addressing this issue promotes a proactive approach to well-being while responding to one of the most pressing challenges identified by young Europeans.

How does the definition of well-being differ between younger and older generations?

MJ: Well-being has evolved significantly across generations. Older generations often prioritise tangible aspects like pensions, education, and healthcare. While emotional well-being held value, it was often secondary to material concerns.

In contrast, younger generations emphasise emotional health as a central aspect of their overall well-being. According to our survey, 76% of young people think about their emotional well-being regularly.

To meet the well-being priorities of younger generations, we must address emerging areas such as sustainability, social justice, and emotional wages—concepts that provide purpose, balance, and fulfilment in both personal and professional contexts.

What are the most pressing challenges young people face in achieving emotional health?

MJ: Key challenges include living conditions, the pervasive uncertainty of today’s world, and the lingering stigma around discussing emotional health- often leading to feelings of isolation.

Since the pandemic introduced a profound sense of instability into everyday life, the situation has only worsened. Mental health disorders among young Europeans have risen sharply, with the incidence of mental health problems among those aged 15 to 24 doubling in many countries across the EU, according to the European Parliament.

These realities highlight the urgent need for open conversations, proactive support systems, and solutions tailored to the unique experiences of younger generations.

What roles do public-private collaborations play in promoting emotional health?

MJ: Public-private collaborations are crucial for advancing emotional health. Governments provide policy frameworks and funding, while private entities contribute innovation and access to advanced technologies. Together, these partnerships can create impactful initiatives, including awareness campaigns, emotional health support platforms, and workplace well-being programs.

At Merck, we foster collaboration between young people, civil society organizations, and European institutions to co-create strategies that prioritize emotional health and promote the well-being of future generations.

How do you envision the EU’s Political Guidelines for 2024-2029 impacting emotional health initiatives?

MJ: The EU’s Political Guidelines for 2024-2029 emphasise preventive health efforts, particularly mental health. President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Youth Coordinator Biliana Sirakova have highlighted the need to address mental health concerns, especially among children and young people in the digital environment.

The European Commission’s comprehensive approach to mental health integrates emotional well-being into various policies, reflecting a commitment to addressing these challenges through collaborative and inclusive efforts.

What steps can policymakers take to break the stigma around emotional health?

MJ: Policymakers can implement targeted strategies to create a supportive environment for addressing emotional health challenges. Increasing funding for emotional health services is essential to ensure timely access to therapy, counselling, and early intervention programs.

Additionally, expanding support systems in schools and workplaces can help identify and address emotional health issues proactively.

Destigmatising emotional health discussions is also critical. National awareness campaigns, led by public and private institutions, can normalize these conversations. Public figures and influencers sharing personal experiences can further break stereotypes and encourage others to seek help.

Integrating emotional health into daily routines, such as mindfulness and wellness education in schools and workplaces, is another effective approach. Cultural platforms, including art and media, can highlight diverse experiences of emotional well-being, reducing misconceptions about mental illness.

Actively involving young people in shaping and evaluating emotional health initiatives ensures relevance and empowers them to contribute meaningfully to societal well-being.

What do you hope to achieve in the next stages of the FutURe Project?

MJ: Our ambition is to make the FutURe Project a benchmark initiative at the European level, ensuring the voices of young people are heard and their needs addressed in public and private measures.

We plan to host roundtables in 2025 on topics such as sustainability, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. By building a network of young experts, we aim to tackle the issues most relevant to new generations across Europe.

The FutURe Project strives to bridge the gap between young people and decision-makers, fostering collaboration to drive meaningful social change and promote collective well-being across the continent.

[Edited By Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab ]