7
June
2012

Involuntary placement and involuntary treatment of persons with mental health problems

Mental health problems are experienced by about one in 10  European Union (EU) citizens. Many seek help voluntarily, but some may be placed in institutions or treated without
their consent. This might affect their fundamental rights.

The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights applies only in the area of Union law and when EU Member States implement Union law. The issue of involuntary placement and involuntary treatment belongs to an area of complementary competences between the EU and its Member States. Amid the broader reassessment of the rights of persons with mental health problems, the processes of involuntary placement and involuntary treatment are two issues of core concern.