Outgoing from an international european survey directed to national psychiatric asssociations and national ethical reference persons, we have collected data about the use of international regulations, the eventual existency of national guidelines and codices as well as the character of frequently experienced ethical problems in different parts of europa.

By doing this, a great diversity became appearant, guided by the psychiatric professional dcevelopment in the countries, but even showing significant sensitivity to cultural and societal - political influences.

Thus, it appears important to maintain a continous professional discussion on ethical issues, even considering the processes and changes ongoing due to the political and sociocultural dcevelopment as well as psychiatric scietific improvements and research implications.

A need to put ethical issues and development on the EPAs agenda seems evident as well as the need to continously improve and discuss international and national ethical guidelines and practical clinical strategies.