Health Highlights
 

A landmark EU Council meeting between social and finance ministers
Ministers discussed the impact of social reforms and investments on growth and sustainability 

The anticipated joint debate (the “JUMBO” Council) set the tone for better cross-sectoral cooperation. Discussions addressed the positive impact of investing in human capital across the socioeconomic gradient. EuroHealthNet applauds the initiative taken by the Belgian Presidency and calls for regular Jumbo meetings, also including health ministers. 

In addition, the Council of Social Ministers agreed on minimum standards to improve working conditions for platform workers. They also discussed the future of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), highlighted areas such as upskilling and reskilling, increased social dialogue and combatting social exclusion. The Joint Employment Report, which reviews the social and health policies across the EU, was also adopted.  

Children have a right to health in both physical and digital spaces 
WHO/Europe sets out ambition to make the Region the healthiest online environment for children 

As part of WHO/Europe’s Innovation Ecosystem for Public Health Meeting, a position statement was launched to prioritise online safety for children. It sets out the need to include children’s rights in all actions, protect children from unhealthy marketing and facilitate transparent and consistent monitoring of mandatory legislation.

At the event, EuroHealthNet spoke about the importance of this statement, which outlines necessary measures to create health-promoting online environments that enable children to thrive in safe spaces.  

Schools4Health training visit on healthy nutrition – “It’s time to change education - one step at a time!” 

As part of the Schools4Health initiative led by EuroHealthNet, experts in education, health, and agriculture got together for a 3-day training visit on healthy nutrition in schools. On this occasion, school staff and project partners from Slovenia, Hungary, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands kickstarted the transfer and implementation plans of healthy nutrition practices.

New European Pillar of Social Rights flashcards dive into healthcare and social dialogue 

As set out in EPSR Principle 16, equitable access to primary and community-based health, preventative and curative healthcare as well as long-term care is not only essential but a right. Stronger implementation is needed. Principle 8 focuses on social dialogue and involvement of workers as an important part of inclusive decision-making, also in public health and wellbeing policies.

Public Health Wales sets out the importance of applying a social or public health value approach that focuses on what really matters to societies in a recent article. This approach can support spending and investing in health, which is more sustainable, evidence-informed and better tailored to the needs of communities.

The plan focuses efforts on three different areas: (1) reconsidering how we think about health, inequality, personal responsibility and inclusive societies; (2) reorganising action to reduce health inequalities through intersectoral collaboration; and (3) identifying and scaling-up current good practices.

With the support of the Regional Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs and the Andalusian Health Service, this pilot will involve 11 active physical exercise units and 15 health centres throughout the Region. This will help to develop and implement a system where health professionals can direct patients to the nearest unit to engage in physical exercise activities.

The study looks at the factors that influence the implementation of the “Pep initiative”, which is based on intersectoral community-wide collaboration among Sweden's municipalities. Municipal professionals work with children, their parents and young people to create commitment to their health at community level, with a special focus on physical activity and healthy nutrition.

European Parliament and Council come to a provisional agreement on air quality standards

MEPs and Ministers reached a deal on the revised Directive on Ambient Air Quality setting EU air quality standards for 2030 which are closer aligned with the WHO global air quality guidelines. It also introduces a zero-pollution for air objective by 2050. Read our colleague's analysis of the news.

Marking International Women’s Day, institutions reflect on gender equality in the region

The European Commission published a report on gender equality, focusing on achievements such as the European Care Strategy and new work-life balance rights. In a Council meeting, EU ministers supported a new Gender Equality Strategy post-2025. WHO/Europe also released two reports showing that digital health technologies positively impact women’s empowerment, and that gender-equitable health investments improve societal outcomes. 

Addressing skills shortages for more resilient societies 

A Study by WHO/Europe and the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) identifies skills shortages as a call to action to improve the use of behavioural and cultural insights in health policies and communication. This is particularly timely, as the European Commission adopted an Action Plan on labour and skills shortages to address challenges in the labour markets, and support skills development, training and education.

One step closer to a European Health Data Space and Artificial Intelligence Act 

EU Ministers and MEPs provisionally agreed on the European Health Data Space, which will support the management of health data and stricter conditions for data reuse. While welcoming this development, EuroHealthNet reiterates its call for better health equity considerations.  

The European Parliament also approved the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, introducing obligations to protect fundamental rights and environmental sustainability within AI systems.