Mental problems are amongst the most important contributors to the global burden of disease and disability. Five of the ten leading causes of disability world wide are mental health problems. In contrast with the dramatic improvements in physical health in most countries, which is particularly reflected by unprecedented decreases in mortality rates, the mental component of health has not improved during the current century, and in many instances has deteriorated significantly.

To address this important issue, a meeting on mental health in Europe, jointly organized by the European Commission and the World Health Organization (WHO), will be held from 22 to 24 April 1999 in Brussels, Belgium, as part of their increased collaboration. Under the overall title "Balancing mental health promotion and mental health care in Europe", this meeting will discuss the differing perspectives of those advocating for the strengthening of promotion and those in favour of strengthening mental health services, with the aim of establishing a consensus regarding mental health in this part of the world.

Participants are expected from 38 countries: all the European Union Member States and most countries of Central and Eastern Europe as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey will be represented. Other organizations have also been invited to participate in this meeting, including the European Regional Council (ERC), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the European Psychiatric Association, the World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation (WAPR) and the Council of Europe.

Mental disorders tend to proliferate as a result of complex and multiple social, biological, and psychological determinants. They are expected responses to serious or chronical physical disease, as well as to war and trauma, but also to adverse social conditions such as high unemployment, limited education, discrimination and poverty. All indications are that the burden of disease due to mental health and neurological problems will become even greater in the coming decades and will have serious social and economic consequences, unless substantive action is taken.

The ageing of the world's population, made possible by improved physical health, has meant that a larger proportion of the population now reaches ages which carry higher risks of suffering from mental disorders. Specialists are convinced, however, that mental problems can be managed, treated and in some cases prevented. Mental health promotion can prevent problems in this field, reduce overall vulnerability and improve the general mental health of the population. However, in too many countries the mental health services and care provided are not sufficient to address mental health problems and the complexity of associated psychosocial needs.

The expected outcome of the meeting will be the establishment of a consensus on priority issues to be addressed regarding mental health in Europe, to be taken into account by the European Commission and WHO in the framework of their respective programmes and as a basis to explore avenues for joint actions. It is also expected that all European countries will pay adequate attention to recommendations arising from the meeting. This joint meeting can be considered as an important stepping stone for the upcoming European Conference on mental health promotion, which will be organized by the Finnish Presidency of the European Union, in Finland, in October 1999.