Summer Presidential Address
Dear Colleagues, dear Friends,
As summer settles across Europe and many of us prepare for a well-deserved holidays, I would like to take a moment to thank you for a truly remarkable first half of the year.
Our year was marked by the extraordinary success of the 34th European Congress of Psychiatry, held in Prague on 28–31 March under the theme “Mental Health: Improving Care and Expanding Horizons”. It was one of the most vibrant and best-attended editions in our history, bringing together colleagues from across Europe and beyond in a spirit of togetherness, collegiality, and shared purpose.
The richness of the scientific programme, the quality of the discussions, and above all the energy of our community made it an event to remember. To all who contributed – speakers, faculty, early career psychiatrists, our National Psychiatric Associations, Scientific Sections, partners, and the many participants who filled the halls in Prague – I extend my heartfelt gratitude.
Beyond the Congress, I am proud to report that our EPA Action Plan 2025–2027, “Leaving no one behind – a roadmap for better and personalized mental health care”, continues to advance with great momentum. Our six Task Forces are now delivering concrete outputs across education, research, and policy, and their work is increasingly informing the wider European conversation on mental health.
This progress reflects the dedication of the many experts who generously devote their time and knowledge to our mission. Alongside the work of the Task Forces, our Presidential Team went to great lengths to represent the EPA at several key events, including high-level meetings in Brussels, the 12th EAN Congress in Geneva, and the FENS Forum 2026 in Barcelona.
Looking ahead, I am delighted to highlight the milestones that will shape the remainder of the year. In the coming months, we will hold the second edition of our Leadership Academy in Strasbourg (3-6 September 2026) — which drew over 80 applications — as well as the second edition of our European Board Examination in Psychiatry (25 September 2026), a joint initiative with UEMS and the EFPT.
We will then gather for the first-ever EPA Regional Meeting, to be held in Naples, my hometown, on 28–30 October 2026, under the theme “Psychiatry in Action”. This meeting will offer a unique opportunity to explore the Action Plan in greater depth and to strengthen the bonds within our community in a warm and welcoming setting. It will be followed by a high-level policy event in Brussels, translating the Action Plan’s takeaways into concrete policy asks and further reinforcing our ties with the EU institutions.
Finally, we will come together for the 35th European Congress of Psychiatry, EPA 2027, in Florence, a city that embodies the meeting of science, culture, and humanity that lies at the heart of our profession. I very much hope to welcome many of you both in Naples and in Florence.
None of this would be possible without you. I remain deeply grateful to our Executive Committee, Board, National Psychiatric Associations, Scientific Sections, Committees, our Administrative Office, as well as to every member and partner whose commitment gives life to our Association. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more connected, and more compassionate psychiatric community across Europe.
Wishing you and your loved ones a restful and enjoyable summer break.
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Prof. Andrea Fiorillo – EPA President
