A European strategy for neurotechnology – Launch event

This event was co-hosted with European Brain Council (EBC) and supported by the European Economic and Social Committee.

Neurotechnology is moving fast. From new treatments for neurological and mental health conditions to consumer brain-computer devices marketed directly to individuals, this field is reshaping healthcare but also raising profound ethical and societal questions.

What would allowing these technologies to permeate into everyday life without clear rules and safeguards mean for society? Europe is already a global leader, with the world’s second-largest neurotechnology sector. Yet despite its economic strength and strategic relevance, neurotechnology remains largely absent from the EU’s political agenda.

The recent adoption of the European Charter for the Responsible Development of Neurotechnologies, led by European Brain Council, as well as UNESCO’s first global normative framework, mark significant steps towards operationalising a clear ethical standards for neurotechnology.

But the work is not done. With growing international momentum and appetite for neurotechnology devices in the United States and China, Europe is at a pivotal point where it must move to shape the future of neurotechnology in line with its values, or risk falling behind.

This high-level convening, organised with the European Brain Council (EBC) and supported by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), came at a decisive moment. Beyond addressing the gap between neurotechnology’s rapid development and the absence of a coherent EU-level policy approach, this event brought together different stakeholders to discuss how Europe can move the conversation from principles to action — exploring how the EU can turn ethical commitments into concrete policies, funding priorities, and governance tools.

Drawing on CFG’s White Paper on an EU Neurotechnology Strategy, the half-day event aimed to spark a coordinated European approach that strengthens competitiveness, protects citizens, and ensures neurotechnology develops in a way that serves society.