Brussels

European politicians should recognise the importance of Psychology

15.November.2011

According to the President of the Ordem dos Psicólogos (OPP), this is a fundamental premise in the importance of the well-being of the citizens of Europe.

The President of the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP), Telmo Mourinho Baptista and the vice-president of the Order, Samuel Antunes were present at the Conference «Psychology - A contribution to EU Policy Making», at the European Parliament, in Brussels, on the 9th of November.

According to the President of the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP), the Conference was important for the recognition of Psychology in Europe. Telmo Mourinho Baptista even says that it is essential that European politicians understand the importance of psychology because this recognition is relevant to the well-being of the citizens of Europe. «It is important that the political decision makers support their decision in getting to know the work done by psychologists», states the President of the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP)

The meeting in Brussels was aimed at offering the Members of the European Parliament, the employees of the European Committee and the representatives of other European organisations updated information on Psychology and what it can offer European society.

The conference discussed the contributions of areas such as mental health, school psychology, well-being at work and the change in behaviour in areas such as the flu pandemics and obesity, for the well-being of European citizens. «European Policy on Stress in the Work Place», «Psychology for Europe», «How Psychology can contribute towards well-being and the Economy» were some of the topics chosen.

The meeting was organised by the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats of Europe, with collaboration of the European Federation of Psychologists Associations (EFPA). Alongside the Conference, there were bilateral meetings with organisations similar to the OPP, so as to develop cooperation protocols which are advantageous to all parties. The Order congratulates itself on the constructive climate which has marked the relationship with its European counterparts, which has allowed for the sharing of valuable experience to help the work of the Order in Portugal.