EU lawmakers urge binding rules to combat work-related mental health crisis

The European Parliament's Employment Committee adopted a report on Wednesday calling for EU legislation to prevent and combat work-related psychosocial risks, which Belgian MEP Estelle Ceulemans described as a "pandemic" of mental health problems linked to work. The report, passed by 41 votes to 12, urges the European Commission to propose a legislative framework addressing risks such as burnout, stress, and harassment. It cites an April 2025 study estimating work-related cardiovascular and depressive illnesses cost €100 billion annually in the EU, with over 155,000 Belgian workers suffering long-term burnout or depression. The initiative aims to harmonize national rules, strengthen employer prevention duties, and partially shift the burden of proof to benefit workers. The report will face a plenary vote in October, where opposition from right-wing groups is expected.