A European Model: Robert Schoevers on the Continent's Growing Psychedelic Research Agenda

European psychedelic research momentum is growing through EU-funded programs and national initiatives, with Robert Schoevers arguing that Europe must build its own care models and protocols rather than waiting for the US. Schoevers highlights an EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral networks grant called Integrate, spanning 16 PhD positions across neuroscience, clinical work, and the ethical, societal, and legal dimensions needed for psychedelic treatment acceptance and implementation. He also connects this to PsyPal, an EU-funded Horizon Europe study of psilocybin-assisted therapy for palliative care patients with depression, including plans for hiring and an official project start in March 2026. He frames Dutch policy as comparatively pragmatic and supportive of evidence building, while emphasizing cautious optimism or “hopeful skepticism.” He stresses trial design concerns like blinding and expectancy, the role of psychotherapy, and the need for broad, evidence-based indications for treatment-resistant patients before overselling psychedelics for mental disorders.