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

Polish EU Presidency publishes work programme 

The work programme sets out the Presidency’s work and focus for the next six months

From 1 January to 30 June 2025, the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU will focus on strengthening European security, which includes health security. It also aims to advance health promotion and disease prevention with actions at both the EU and national level. The Presidency will address the digital transformation, including regulations on cybersecurity, and host a debate on the risks to the mental health of children and adolescents posed by social media.

Under the Polish Presidency, the evaluation of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan will start, and the Council recommendation on access to affordable and high-quality long-term care will be reviewed. The Presidency will promote gender equality and discuss legislative proposals on artificial intelligence in the workplace and the right to disconnect.

WHO report reveals governments are deprioritising investments in health

Timely and reliable evidence on current spending is key for improved decisions on health investments

The 2024 WHO Global Health Expenditure Report shows a worldwide decline in average per capita government health spending in 2022 following pandemic surges. Released on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, it emphasises the critical role of sustained government investment in achieving UHC, ensuring access to health services without financial hardship. The report warns that reduced spending threatens progress, deepening inequities and leaving vulnerable populations at risk.

EU Ministers advance on key health, employment, and social initiatives

Discussions focused on demographic challenges, labour and skills shortages, cardiovascular health, tobacco prevention, and the European Health Union

In December, the EPSCO (Employment, Social Policy, Health, and Consumer Affairs) Council of the European Union met. The meeting addressed key health and social challenges. Health Ministers adopted the Council Recommendation on smoke- and aerosol-free environments, expanding protections against second-hand smoke in outdoor areas. They also discussed the Draghi report on European competitiveness vis-a-vis the European Health Union initiative and approved conclusions to improve cardiovascular health through prevention, health literacy, and best practice exchange.

Social and Employment Ministers focused on supporting parents, young people, and older generations to address demographic challenges. They adopted Council Conclusions on labour and skills shortages, strengthening women’s and girls’ mental health, promoting gender equality, and improving work-life balance.

 

EuroHealthNet Partnership

Is the European Semester delivering a Wellbeing Economy? EuroHealthNet publishes its latest analysis

EuroHealthNet’s latest report on the European Semester explores its potential to foster a Wellbeing Economy. While progress has been made, a stronger focus is needed on social, health, and environmental goals. Exploring the return on investment in these areas is crucial for achieving a sustainable, healthy, and inclusive Europe in line with the objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

New edition of EuroHealthNet Magazine zooms in on commercial determinants of health

The latest Magazine edition features articles from within the Partnership and beyond, sharing insights and ongoing initiatives to mitigate the impact of commercial interests on public health. The topics covered include alcohol advertising, energy drinks and tobacco, wealth inequalities, food labelling, and the Wellbeing Economy.

The magazine is also available in a new interactive flipzine format. Any feedback is welcome and can be sent to Ruth Thomas.

EuroHealthNet Partnership meets in Hungary for a Country Exchange Visit on curbing tobacco consumption

Hosted by the Hungarian National Centre for Public Health and Pharmacy (NNGYK), EuroHealthNet members gathered to exchange knowledge on the current landscape around the uptake and use of cigarettes and other novel tobacco products (vaping, nicotine pads). Members discussed promising strategies and interventions, the equity dimension to tobacco control policies, and links to the sustainability and environmental agenda in reducing nicotine consumption, especially among youth. A report will be made available soon.

EuroHealthNet hosts a symposium on reducing the burden of alcohol, in collaboration with Santé publique France

The symposium addressed the latest evidence and actionable strategies to address the burden of alcohol consumption, focusing on low-risk drinking guidelines and commercial determinants of alcohol use.
 
The event took place during the European Awareness Week on Alcohol-Related Harm. To mark the occasion, EuroHealthNet worked with Eurocare and WHO to co-organise an exhibition in the European Parliament, raising awareness about the need for alcohol labelling and alcohol prevention for public health. EuroHealthNet also spoke at Euractiv’s Stakeholder Workshop on key policy measures to promote harm reduction in alcohol.

Read all EuroHealthNet's consultation responses here.  

Ongoing consultations

The Flemish Institute for Healthy Living calls to encourage exercise across various policy areas

The latest figures from the Sciensano Food Consumption Survey show that Flemish adults are not making any progress in the number of minutes they exercise, while children and young people are becoming less and less active. Gezond Leven calls for healthy public spaces, movement-friendly schools, active travel, and encouraging use of public transport.

The Dutch Healthy and Active Living Agreement encourages collaboration to improve community health

The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) published its first report on the progress of the Healthy and Active Living Agreement (GALA). This is an agreement between the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, municipalities, municipal public health services, and care insurers. The report shows that the GALA has encouraged collaboration and that activities under the agreement should continue long-term.

Norwegian Directorate for Public Health finds changes in Norwegian’s diets

The Directorate's annual status report on food consumption in Norway shows a significant decline in the consumption of red meat. However, new measures are needed to support the increased consumption of whole grains, vegetables and fish.

Join the conference on creating resilient mental health systems

The MENTALITY project is organising a conference on 30 January to explore and discuss how resilient mental health systems can address urgent poly-crises. Participants will discuss innovative pilot practices that drive policy reform and bridge public health gaps. The conference aims to bolster Europe’s commitment to mental health resilience through strategic collaboration, investment, and policy innovation.

More news from the Partnership
  • EuroHealthNet published a flashcard exploring how principle 20 on essential services, part of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), can help guarantee access to services such as water, energy, transport, financial services, and digital communications. The flashcard is part of the EPSR flashcard tool, which helps public health professionals and decision-makers use the EPSR in their work.
     
  • EuroHealthNet presented RIVER-EU's work at PROTECT-EUROPE’s masterclass ‘Leaving No One Behind’, highlighting how the project engages marginalised communities across Europe to improve HPV vaccine uptake by addressing health system barriers. Missed the session? Watch the full recording here.
     
  • The FEAST initiative publishes its second-year highlight brochure showcasing its progress towards a more sustainable European food system.
     
  • EuroHealthNet organised a public workshop on innovative investments in health promotion as part of the Invest4Health initiative. The workshop focused on Invest4Health’s research findings to date, including lessons from pilots in Germany, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, and providing opportunities to engage with experts. The recordingreport and presentations are available. 
     
  • The PSLifestyle project hosted an online webinar to launch the open-source Lifestyle Test App, created in collaboration with European citizens. The Lifestyle Test App provides personalised, country-specific climate impact insights and recommendations to adopt sustainable lifestyles. A milestone was reached this week: over 300,000 tests have been taken!
     
  • Volunteers participating in the Prolepsis Institute's Friendship at All Ages programme have provided over 45,000 hours of social engagement and companionship to senior citizens experiencing loneliness.
     
  • The Healthy Austria Fund (FGÖ) publishes a new edition of the magazine Healthy Austria’ on how to create ‘space for health’, exploring the potential for health promotion in spatial planning.
     
  • The Czech National Institute of Public Health is organising a conference on health promoting workplaces on 22-23 January, inviting experts to exchange on challenges and opportunities to improve employee health promotion.
     
  • A survey from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) shows positive changes in the lifestyles of higher education students over the past three years. While physical activity improved, obesity and excessive internet use are still on the rise.
     
  • More than half of mental illnesses develop before adulthood. To prevent this and to strengthen the mental health and wellbeing of young people, the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) and the Robert Koch Institute organised a dialogue forum to exchange on effective policies and practices.
     
  • The Institute of Public Health in Ireland publishes a briefing document capturing the primary outcomes of its event on ‘Reducing Alcohol Harms in Northern Ireland: The potential of Minimum Unit Pricing’.
     
  • The Strategic Regional Agency for Health and Social Affair of Puglia (AReSS Puglia), part of the European Partnership on Transforming Health and Care Systems, launches its third Joint Transnational Call for the funding of research and innovation projects that strengthen health and primary and community care systems.
     
  • Santé publique France has long been working on the topic of ethics in public health, organising several internal and external consultations as well as a seminar on the topic. Its latest publication draws on shared experiences and the work carried out by the agency to enhance the way ethical issues are considered in its activities.

News from the institutions

 

Ministers discuss the role of cohesion policy in addressing demographic trends

On 28 November, the General Affairs Council approved conclusions on the role of cohesion policy's role in addressing demographic challenges and regional disparities in the EU. The Council conclusions will inform the Commission's work on the next cohesion legislative framework. Ministers also discussed strengthening cohesion policy and funds post-2027, based on a presidency background paper.

New EU rules enter into force for zero air pollution by 2030

The revised Ambient Air Quality Directive, effective from 10 December, aligns EU air quality standards with WHO recommendations for 2030. Member States now have two years to adopt the legislative and regulatory provisions. This marks a significant step toward improving public health and achieving zero pollution by 2050, with new measures and stricter standards for cleaner air.

WHO/Europe factsheets show mixed progress on tobacco control in the European Region

WHO/Europe released factsheets examining progress on tobacco control in the region, based on the 2023 global tobacco epidemic report. It finds that 18 of 53 countries have adopted comprehensive smoke-free laws and 13 have fully banned tobacco advertising.

The factsheets highlight gaps in tobacco control, stressing the need for stronger policies to reduce the health, social, economic, and environmental burdens of tobacco use and support tailored action in each country. It warns that, if the region continues with business as usual, it will have the highest tobacco use rate in the world by 2030.

 
What we are reading...

 
Air pollution The European Environment Agency (EEA) air quality health impact assessment demonstrates the health impacts of fine particulate matter, a key air pollutant. A separate analysis found that nearly three-quarters of Europe’s ecosystems are exposed to damaging levels of air pollution.

Artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare. OECD's latest report examines how AI technologies can improve health services, emphasising that it is crucial to balance innovation and the necessary safeguards.

Child obesity A new WHO/Europe factsheet highlights worrying post-COVID trends in childhood obesity. It underscores the urgent need for stronger policies to safeguard children from this growing challenge.  

Digital determinants of health A new study by WHO and the London School of Economics identifies key digital factors influencing health outcomes in Europe. The research highlights how digital technologies impact social, political, or commercial determinants and health and can create entirely new ways to influence individual or population health.

Digital health A new WHO report makes the economic case for implementing a set of evidence-based digital health interventions for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases.

Food systems The Joint Research Council has published an EU Food System Dashboard to monitor the sustainability of the EU food system from an environmental, economic and social perspective.

Food systems A multicriteria assessment identifies unprocessed plant-based foods as the most environmentally and nutritionally beneficial, supporting policy shifts towards sustainable diets - PNAS

Gambling Gambling is increasingly seen as a public health issue, with The Lancet's new commission emphasising the need for comprehensive strategies to address gambling harms. The commission's report provides recommendations to prevent and mitigate the broad range of gambling-related harms.

Health emergencies WHO/Europe has published an Implementation Toolkit for Engaging Health and Care Workers in Health Emergencies.

Healthy cities An Urban Health Study estimates the health impacts of urban and transport planning in 1,000 European cities, ranking cities with respect to air pollution levels, access to green spaces, and road traffic noise - ISGlobal

Housing Homelessness remains a critical issue in Europe, with the Council of Europe and the Council of Europe Development Bank collaborating to address the growing crisis by providing new strategies and policies to support vulnerable populations across Europe.

Housing EU public health initiatives are key drivers of change in addressing homelessness and health disparities, according to a new FEANTSA report. The report explores how EU-wide policies can bridge the gap between health and homelessness, ensuring better outcomes for marginalised communities.

Housing A new review by the UCL Institute of Health Equity explains how the twin crises of health and housing can be tackled together by promoting health equity. It helps the property sector and governments work in partnership and put health equity, wellbeing and environmental sustainability at the heart of how the UK builds homes and shapes neighbourhoods.

Investment A report by the Centre for European Reform finds that the EU should prioritise public health investment under its new fiscal rules and post-2027 budget to secure the productivity of its shrinking workforce and sustain economic growth. 

Women’s health The Welsh government launched the first Women’s Health Plan for Wales, setting out a 10-year vision to improve healthcare services for women.
 

Events

In case you missed it...
  • Webinar: Implementing good practice is like gardening - the leadership skills of implementation – 5 November - (Recording available here. Password: deNLggz2024!)
     
  • POLITICO Health Care Summit (EuroHealthNet speaking) – 19-20 November (Recordings available here)
     
  • Safer Internet Forum 2024 – 21 November (Recording available here
     
  • Innovative investments in Health Promotion - An Invest4Health workshop - 10 December (Recording, report and presentations available)
Full calendar of events
 
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube
Website

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.

 

Click here to update your communication preferences.

If you wish to stop all communications from EuroHealthNet click here:
Stop all emails