The most important news about health equity, wellbeing, and their determinants.

Health Highlights
 

Welcome to Health Highlights, EuroHealthNet's monthly newsletter. We bring you the most important news and information about health, equity, wellbeing, and their determinants.  
 

Health Headlines

European Parliament finishes hearings for proposed EU Commissioner-designates 

What are the key health and social priorities across their portfolios?

In her hearing, Roxana Mînzatu, Romania’s Vice President-designate for People, Skills and Preparedness, emphasised the importance of protecting the mental health of workers and youth, as well as addressing health workforce shortage in Europe.

Olivér Várhelyi, Hungary’s nominee for Health Commissioner, focused on a new cardiovascular health strategy, the revision of tobacco legislation, a firmer focus on prevention, and action against pesticides. However, he faced criticism for his vague plans regarding reproductive rights and health crisis preparedness.

Meanwhile, Malta’s Commissioner candidate for intergenerational fairness, youth, culture and sport, Glenn Micallef, spoke of a strategy on cyberbullying, linking to the EU-wide inquiry on the mental health impacts of social media that Várhelyi will lead. He also highlighted the need for sports for all to combat inactivity and obesity.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also called upon the new Commissioners to organise their first annual Youth Policy Dialogue within the first 100 days of the mandate. 

Following these hearings, the members of the European Parliament will deliver their verdict on the Commissioners-designate suitability for their posts in the coming weeks.  

COP29 spotlights health-climate commitments 

COP coincides with the launch of the 2024 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change  

During the United Nations Climate Change Conference Baku (COP29), government leaders underlined the importance of building on climate-health initiatives and implementing past commitments. This was affirmed by the signing of a Letter of Intent establishing the ‘Baku COP Presidencies Continuity Coalition for Climate and Health’ to provide a long-standing framework for climate action. Marking the occasion, EuroHealthNet also co-signed a joint statement to call upon parties to commit to and deliver ambitious climate action.

The COP29 also saw the launch of the WHO's special report on climate change and health, which outlines priority actions from the global health community to place health at the heart of climate solutions. 

COP29 took place at a critical time, as the Lancet Countdown report showed escalating health and climate risks. The report shines light on the role of the health community in putting people’s health and wellbeing central to political and financial agendas. 

Health ministers and delegates convene for the WHO Regional Committee for Europe

Discussions addressed the One Health approach, health system resilience, and preparedness

EuroHealthNet joined the meeting and welcomed Dr Hans Kluge’s re-election as WHO Regional Director for Europe. Dr Kluge set out critical areas of action for the upcoming 5 years, including national health security, non-communicable diseases, climate crisis, ageing, and gender-based violence. A framework for resilient and sustainable health systems in Europe 2025-2030 was launched, together with two landmark health emergency action plans: the Preparedness 2.0 strategy and action plan and the Emergency Medical Teams regional action plan 2024–2030.  

Commending the Preparedness 2.0 strategy, EuroHealthNet presented a joint statement calling for action around health promotion, mental health and climate resilience. In addition, WHO/Europe held a high-level briefing to engage Member States in adopting and implementing the One Health approach within their contexts. 

EuroHealthNet chaired the Non-State-Actor (NSA) launch of the NSA Engagement Plan, preceding the WHO RC74.

Join our symposium on reducing the burden of alcohol

Discussions will focus on low-risk drinking guidelines and mitigating commercial determinants

Registration has now opened for the scientific symposium on the prevention of alcohol consumption, organised by Public Health France and EuroHealthNet, on 3 December. The event will address two critical challenges in public health policy:

  • Drinking guidelines: How to consider the latest scientific evidence to develop and promote lower risk drinking guidelines to reduce alcohol consumption? How to implement them effectively?   

  • Commercial determinants of health: What is the impact on alcohol prevention policies and what are the levers of action for public health?  

Have a look at the agenda, and register to participate, either in person in Brussels or via the live-stream. 

The European Parliament will host the ‘Alcohol—the Right to Know’ exhibition between 4 and 6 December. The exhibition will draw attention to the need for alcohol labelling to inform consumers of what is in the bottle. We invite you to attend the inauguration on 3 December at 17.30.
 

EuroHealthNet Partnership

17th European Public Health Conference underlines the critical role of public health in challenging times 

During the European Public Health Conference on 13-15 November, EuroHealthNet organised a plenary session on tackling health inequalities in times of crisis. Speakers explored the current poly-crises—e.g. climate change, growing inequality and political instability, all of which can be traced back to unfair economic and social systems—and how these interact with health. Speakers discussed how the EU plans to deliver on social rights for all, how to unlock the potential of schools and education for health, and how to best deal with new climate realities. All plenaries can be watched here. 

EuroHealthNet also spoke at a series of sessions, including on food systems, vaccine equity, commercial determinants, and childhood obesity. Sciensano organised a session on BEST-COST. The Prolepsis Institute presented the policy outcomes of Schools4Health, a EuroHealthNet-led, EU-funded initiative focusing on creating health promoting schools. The RIVER-EU project presented its work so far at its pre-conference on advancing equitable vaccination throughout Europe. 

Social participation and citizen engagement as drivers for health equity 

Ahead of the confirmation of the new European Commissioners and the first annual Youth Policy Dialogues, EuroHealthNet launched its new Policy Précis on social participation and citizen engagement as essential mechanisms for effective and equitable policies.

The précis offers practical guidance for public health authorities to create space for dialogue in their own work, highlighting successful examples from Portugal, Slovenia, and Italy.  

The OECD World Forum addresses wellbeing in policy, measurement, and action

Speaking at a panel on wellbeing-informed policy tools, EuroHealthNet discussed improving current tools to better integrate wellbeing evidence and principles in policymaking. The Forum, which took place between 4 and 6 November, gathered experts, practitioners, and thought leaders to discuss an inclusive, sustainable Wellbeing Economy. 

Learn more about the Wellbeing Economy here. 

New policy brief on shifting to a Wellbeing Economy for a sustainable future 

A new policy brief from EuroHealthNet and the Institute of Public Health in Ireland calls for a shift away from GDP-focused economic growth and toward a Wellbeing Economy. Prioritising human health, environmental sustainability, and social justice, this transformative approach aims to foster resilient communities and sustainable development. The brief is based on a full report published earlier this year.

Join the Invest4Health Public Workshop to learn about innovative investments in health promotion

Invest4Health seeks to use 'Smart Capacitating Investment' to increase the resources available for health promotion and disease prevention.

The Invest4Health Public Workshop on 10 December will present the project's research findings to date and lessons from its current pilot locations in Germany, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Speakers will also discuss opportunities to engage with the project's experts during the next 18 months.

Research from the Trimbos Institute highlights varied impacts of social media on youth  

Findings show that social media can positively and negatively impact health and wellbeing. While it can help a.o. form relationships and offer support, it can also increase anxiety and depression. Personal characteristics such as gender, age, ability to regulate emotions, personality and exercise influence social media’s impact on wellbeing. The way in which social media is used—passive or active, amount of time spent, kind of content—also plays a role. 

Celebrating traditional slovenian food culture 

 
On 15 November, schools and kindergartens across Slovenia celebrated the 14th Traditional Slovenian Breakfast. This initiative promotes local, sustainable food practices while encouraging cultural preservation and healthy eating habits.

Complementing the initiative, the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) in Slovenia carried out activities that encourage young people to adopt healthy eating habits and learn about environmental considerations.  
More news from the Partnership
  • In increasingly complex societies, how can governments and health authorities best communicate about health policies? EuroHealthNet joined a roundtable of experts to discuss common problems and solutions for effective health communication during the International Congress on Health Communication in Barcelona.
     
  • The European Commission conference on affordable, high-quality long-term care took stock of progress under the European Care strategy and addressed common long-term care challenges and areas of action. EuroHealthNet presented the rationale for investing in healthy ageing to decrease the need for long-term care, improving dignity, quality of life as well as independent living.
     
  • PSLifestyle develops a digital app to help citizens to learn about the environmental impact of their day-to-day lives and help them adjust accordingly. Attend the app’s open-source launch on 11 December to learn about the app, how it has been used so far, and how to use the code to create your own lifestyle test.
     
  • FEAST aims to make it easy for every person in Europe to eat a delicious, healthier and more sustainable diet. Have a look at its second-year highlight report for a comprehensive overview of the past year's accomplishments, milestones, and key initiatives.
     
  • The DEFACTUM Department of the Central Denmark Region co-authored a study on the role of health literacy in the association between social support and self-rated health. Findings indicate that stronger health literacy strategies, health outcomes and equity may benefit from strengthening individuals' social networks.
     
  • The Flemish Institute of Healthy Living is organising a training on effective advocacy for impactful prevention and health promotion in Antwerp, Belgium, on 16 December.
     
  • A national Drinking Habits Survey reveals that while Finland's overall alcohol consumption has declined, high-risk drinking patterns remain prevalent. The data was supported by the 2023 Healthy Finland health examination survey, carried out by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
     
  • A new, quality-assured online course, ‘Organising everyday eating habits in families’ is now available to professionals who support families with babies and small children. The course is in German and is hosted by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA). 
     
  • The Luxembourg Institute of Socio-economic Research (LISER) launched a series of policy briefs on poverty, inequality and economic insecurity. The objective of the series is to present summaries of research projects, academic contributions or original studies carried out in collaboration with national and international partners.  
     
  • The Oral Health Monitor, a survey carried out by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), shows that people in the lowest socioeconomic group are less likely to rate their oral health as ‘good’ (66%) than people in the highest socioeconomic group (80%). There are other differences between these groups, including in the number of annual visits to the dentist or dental hygienist.  
     
  • New research commissioned by Public Health Scotland assessed the potential impact of minimum pricing policies for tobacco on reducing smoking rates and improving health in Scotland. Findings show that even a 60p minimum price implemented this year could lead to an additional 6,792 years of life for the Scottish population by 2034.   
     
  • According to a national public health survey supported by the Swedish Public Health Agency, the majority of adult Swedes report good or very good health. However, a high proportion report sleep difficulties and anxiety. 1 in 4 adults are sedentary for at least 10 hours during a typical day.
     
  • A report by Public Health Wales and Bangor University reveals that colder homes (below 18°C) negatively impact health, especially for older individuals or those with disabilities. It recommends improved home heating guidelines in Wales.  
     
  • In Andalusia, More than 300 professionals have received training on the gender approach to health.  This program, carried out in collaboration with the Andalusian School of Public Health (EASP), explores the gender dimension of health research, policies and programmes.   

News from the institutions
 

New Health at a Glance report provides an in-depth analysis of key health challenges 

The 2024 Health at a Glance: Europe report, produced by the European Commission and the OECD, analyses health systems across the EU, focusing specifically on promoting healthy longevity and addressing health workforce shortages. It examines post-pandemic challenges, strategies to tackle workforce gaps, and trends in Europe’s ageing population and health outcomes. It calls for a comprehensive approach to address the health workforce crisis, including improving working conditions and remuneration, as well as boosting education and training opportunities.  

The report marks the beginning of the State of Health in the EU cycle, a two-year initiative launched by the European Commission to enhance country-specific and EU-wide health sector knowledge. 

WHO Alcohol Policy Playbook helps policymakers navigate debates around alcohol harms and policy 

A new WHO playbook addresses the significant health, economic and societal costs of alcohol consumption, particularly in Europe, where alcohol-related harm is disproportionately high. The playbook provides evidence-based strategies and policy recommendations to cut through industry claims, empowering policymakers to make informed decisions that prioritise the wellbeing of society over industry profits.  

EU Parliament groups agree to give public health SANT sub-committee more legislative power 

Members of the European Parliament from the European People’s Party, Renew, and the Socialists & Democrats have agreed to clarify the roles of the Public Health Committee (SANT) and Environment Committee (ENVI), granting SANT legislative powers over issues including pharmaceuticals and medical devices, public health, health crisis preparedness and response, and mental health. ENVI will tackle environmental and climate policy and protection measures, food safety legislation, as well as pollution. 

Revamped European Portal aims to improve online digital safety for children and youth 

The European Commission has relaunched its ‘Better Internet for Kids’ (BIK) portal to improve online safety resources for children, parents, educators, and policymakers. Key additions include the ‘Parent and Caregiver Corner’ for digital guidance, the ‘BIK Youth Corner’ for youth engagement, and the ‘BIK Knowledge Hub’ for research and policy insights, supporting safer online interactions across Europe. 

Ministers of the G20 Joint Finance and Health Task Force prioritises health financing 

On 31 October, health and finance ministers forming part of the G20 task force convened to discuss initiatives which improve sector coordination and boost health investment. The meeting outcomes emphasise the need to address social determinants of health and strengthen health financing to reduce health disparities. The meeting concluded the activities of the Task Force under Brasil's G20 presidency, which tackled social exclusion, food insecurity and poverty.  
 
What we are reading...

 
Bullying The European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) introduces new resources to combat school bullying and cyberbullying, providing tools and support for students, educators, and parents.

Climate action A working paper by the OECD suggests that climate has moved to the centre of the international development cooperation agenda, signalling that donors have increasingly mainstreamed climate action across sectors and areas of cooperation.

Cohesion policy The European Commission launches an online course on cohesion policy to address gaps in journalism and education and to promote knowledge about it.

Digital health WHO publishes a two-year progress report on the implementation of the Regional digital health action plan. The report provides an overview of developments across all 18 key focus areas outlined in the action plan, driving innovation, improving access to care, and strengthening health systems. 

Healthcare access Italy enacts legislation ensuring healthcare access for homeless populations. The new law emphasises the right to health services, aiming to address vulnerabilities within this demographic.  

Independent living A Eurofound report examines pathways for independent living and social inclusion in Europe. It highlights challenges for disabled and elderly populations in achieving autonomy in care settings.  

Intergenerational disadvantage A Eurostat report highlights the persistence of socioeconomic disadvantages across generations in the EU, emphasising education and employment as key factors in breaking this cycle.  

Long-term care WHO Europe introduces a toolkit to support countries in reforming their long-term care systems. It aims to address the needs of ageing populations and improve care quality, accessibility, and funding structures across Europe.  

Long-term care An OECD report notes that, with the population ageing, the demand for helping older people with daily activities (long-term care) is set to increase across OECD countries by more than one-third by 2050.   

Mental health WHO report reveals rising school pressure and diminishing levels of social support, particularly affecting girls. It underscores the need for targeted mental health interventions to support young people in Europe facing growing academic and social stresses.  

Physical activity A WHO report highlights that while there has been progress in promoting physical activity, stronger policy action, data collection, and funding mechanisms are needed to encourage active living.  

Physical activity The European Commission and WHO/Europe publish country factsheets and a report on the implementation of the Council Recommendation on promoting health-enhancing physical activity across sectors.   

Preparedness A new WHO/Europe implementation toolkit offers practice-based tips for national and local health authorities, civil society and other interested organisations on how to involve health and care workers in all stages of emergencies. 

Skills A study requested by the European Parliament EMPL Committee examines the impact of EU initiatives on skills, exploring into the state of play and future trends relating to skills demands, shortages and mismatches.  

Social protection The Social Protection Committee’s 2024 Annual Report shows an expansion in employment and a slight reduction in the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2023 for people over 65 years old. However, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of people at risk of poverty in nearly half of the Member States. 

Tobacco regulation In Ireland, the age for tobacco sale is set to be raised to 21 in a bid to curb youth smoking rates, reflecting stricter regulations aimed at public health protection – Tobacco Journal International.

Tobacco taxation The Finnish government will slowly raise taxes on tobacco products by nearly 30 per cent until 2027 to gain around EUR 100 million in taxes – Tobacco Journal International.

Wellbeing Assessing quality of life, an OECD report signals that more action is needed to maintain today’s wellbeing for future generations, especially with respect to tackling climate change. 
 

Events
In case you missed it...

  • Climate crisis, cities and health – The Academy of Medical Sciences – 17 October (Recording, manuscript and presentations available)  

  • Institute of Public Health Ireland Webinar: Exercise and Healthy Ageing – 24 October (Recording available here) 

  • EUHPP Live webinar : Stepping up efforts for better mental health of long-term care workers and informal carers - 29 October (Presentations available here) 

  • 17th European Public Health Conference – 12-15 November (Recordings of plenaries available here) 
Full calendar of events
 
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EuroHealthNet is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of EuroHealthNet only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
 

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