According to recent molecular phylogenetic studies the Papaver species belonging to P. sect. Argemonidium should be transferred in the genus Roemeria, and species of P. sect. Meconella should be treated as a distinct genus. Accordingly, the new genus Oreomecon is here established, seven new combinations are proposed and one name is typified. Furthermore, the correct names in Roemeria for the eleven, currently accepted, Papaver species in the Euro-Mediterranean area are provided, including nine new combinations.