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1. Forthcoming policy developments

2. Ongoing debates

Forthcoming policy developments

The national action plan on youth (2022–2025) focuses on the reinforcement of the well-being of young people. The concrete actions of the plan are being implemented between 2022 and 2025.

The National Mental Health Plan (2024–2028) is currently being implemented. It aims at strengthening prevention, improving access to mental health care, and promoting a community-based approach to services. Particular attention is given to children and young people as target groups.

Ongoing debates

A recommendation report on the setup of a national strategy on mental health for children and young people was published in 2010. It defines future needs and challenges for a youth-centred mental health policy (CRP-Santé & MS, 2010). A specific national strategy for youth mental health has still not been formally adopted, and the recommendations remain under discussion, although recent developments under the National Mental Health Plan (2024–2028) contribute to addressing some of these challenges.

The mental health reform (réforme de la psychiatrie et politique de santé mentale) is in its phase of implementation. This reform aims at a decentralisation of services, the readjustment of pathways to care and the improvement of the quality of services. Current developments emphasise coordination of care and the strengthening of community-based services.

The government programme 2018–2023 called for the depenalisation of the use of recreational cannabis. This reform has been partially implemented, allowing private consumption and limited home cultivation. Current debates focus on possible future regulatory developments, including controlled access and distribution models, as well as the monitoring of public health impacts, particularly among young people.

At the same time, ongoing evaluations (2025–2026) assess the impact of cannabis use on health and well-being. A post-implementation evaluation is expected to inform future policy decisions.

In parallel, adjustments to the medical cannabis framework have been introduced, reflecting continued discussions on public health, safety and the potential impact of cannabis use on mental health.