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The most important news about health equity, wellbeing, and their determinants.
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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.
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European Parliament Health Committee calls for more EU funds for health
Members of the European Parliament Health Committee during a structural dialogue, calling for more funding for health in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Given the strategic importance of investing in health for a competitive Europe, the committee wants the EU Budget post-2027 to have adequate funding for public health, prevention, innovation, digital health, and health infrastructure.
During the structural dialogue, the Health Commissioner said he would try to restore Europe’s health budget, which was cut by 20 per cent, as discussions on the MFF post-2027 are currently underway. The European Commission is expected to release a draft of the MMF in July, and stakeholders can contribute with their views through the .
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A roadmap for women’s rights
On International Women's Day, the EU reaffirms its commitment to gender equality
The European Commission has adopted a Roadmap for Women’s Rights that provides a long-term vision for gender equality. It prioritises freedom from gender-based violence, equal pay, work-life balance, and political representation and aims to reinforce gender mainstreaming across EU policies. The Commission calls on EU institutions, Member States, and stakeholders to endorse and implement the roadmap as the foundation for the next Gender Equality Strategy post-2025.
Meanwhile, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) High-Level Forum on Women’s Rights addressed persistent gender inequalities, calling for urgent action ahead of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Despite EU progress, women remain underrepresented in leadership, face gender-based violence, and encounter barriers in STEM and employment.
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EU Intergenerational Fairness Strategy underway
EU commits to an inclusive and cross-cutting process for developing the strategy
The European Commission is developing a Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness to ensure policies respect both present and future generations. Led by the EU Policy Lab and Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, the initiative follows a five-step process with broad stakeholder engagement. The first scoping phase began on 20 February, by setting the foundation for co-creating long-term visions. Citizens can also contribute their views through an open consultation.
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EU Ministers discuss the Silver Transformation and workforce participation of older workers
Debates cover incentives and systemic solutions
On 10 March 2025, the Employment, Social Policy, Health, and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) convened in Brussels to address the challenges of the Silver Transformation—the demographic shift toward an ageing population. Ministers debated incentives and systemic solutions to promote voluntary, extended professional activity among older individuals. Discussions focused on mitigating labour and skills shortages by removing barriers to workforce participation.
The Council also adopted the 2025 Joint Employment Report, which provides an annual overview of key employment and social developments in the Union and of Member States’ recent policy measures.
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WHO/Europe tracks progress on vaccine equity and disease prevention
New interactive tool strengthens accountability and data-driven action
WHO/Europe, with support from the EU, has launched a new online data dashboard to track progress towards the European Immunization Agenda 2030 (EIA2030). The platform visualises 23 key indicators, including measles and rubella elimination, vaccine coverage targets, and immunisation gaps. By consolidating national reports, it enhances accountability, data quality, and strategic decision-making. The tool will support countries in closing immunisation gaps and ensures resilience against outbreaks.
This launch is particularly timely as ECDC joined the WHO and UNICEF in calling for urgent catch-up vaccination efforts as measles cases in WHO European region hit a 25-year high. In 2024, measles cases doubled, with over 127,000 cases.
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EuroHealthNet Partnership
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EuroHealthNet presents policy brief on reducing the consumption of tobacco and nicotine-based products
EuroHealthNet has released a policy brief on curbing tobacco and nicotine use, based on insights from its 2024 Country Exchange Visit in Budapest. The brief provides policy recommendations and inspiring practices to drive progress at all governance levels.
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EuroHealthNet Partnership explores key health and social issues for 2025
Over 70 experts participated in EuroHealthNet's Policy and Strategy Meeting, where the Partnership discussed policy priorities amid renewed EU and WHO mandates. Participants explored key health and social challenges, including mental health and social media, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), housing, and poverty, and health, shaping EuroHealthNet’s 2025 Policy and Advocacy Action Plan.
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EuroHealthNet joins forces with civil society to call for funding for health and social initiatives, as well as child wellbeing
In a joint statement, the Alliance for Investing in Children expresses concern over the European Parliament’s failure to allocate a dedicated €20 billion budget for the European Child Guarantee in the next European Social Fund Plus. With one in four children at risk of poverty, adequate funding is crucial to ensure access to health, education, and essential services.
As discussions on the next EU long-term budget begin, EuroHealthNet joined 66 EU and international networks to urge the Commission to protect and strengthen the European Social Fund to reduce inequalities, support social inclusion, and drive quality employment.
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EuroHealthNet responds to consultations
Read all our consultation responses here.
Open consultations
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Public health authorities urge Europe to play a stronger role in global health
In a Lancet open letter, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Santé publique France and the Austrian National Public Health Institute stress that global health security depends on a strong, well-funded WHO. The US’s possible departure from the WHO positions Europe to take a leading role in shaping global health policy. They therefore urge Europe to increase financial contributions and send more experts to WHO to fill the gap.
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Scotland launches bold new collaboration to reduce health inequalities
Public Health Scotland and the Institute of Health Equity have partnered with local councils and health boards to tackle health inequalities in three local areas in Scotland. Over two years, the initiative will support local action, strengthen policies, and bridge the gap between national and local efforts to build healthier and more equitable communities.
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Andalusia expands child and adolescent health initiatives
The Regional Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs of Andalusia launched new strategies to improve child and adolescent health, focusing on obesity prevention, mental health, and cancer care. Key actions include the expansion of school nurses, specialised paediatric cancer units, and intersectoral coordination teams.
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More news from the Partnership
- EuroHealthNet was a keynote speaker to present its Semester report at the annual Civil Society Dialogue organised by the European Commission. We highlighted the importance of the Semester–the EU’s mechanism for aligning national policies with EU objectives–in supporting Member States’ policies and investments for achieving health equity and Wellbeing Economy.
- Speaking at a HOPE event on how heatwave negatively impacts older people’s health, EuroHealthNet called for policies, at all levels, to better reflect the impact of housing on health outcomes.
- The BeWell project, which promotes the upskilling and reskilling of the European health workforce, offers pilot training courses on digital and green skills for healthcare professionals. Interested participants can enrol in the courses here.
- SP-EU aims to promote and improve access to social prescribing–a practice that enables healthcare providers to refer patients to social and community activities to improve their wellbeing. The project was officially launched with a consortium meeting in Berlin.
- On 8-9 May 2025, Iceland will host the Third Wellbeing Economy Forum, bringing together policymakers, experts, and civil society to shape a more sustainable and equitable future through improved wellbeing policies.
- Italy’s National Institute of Health (ISS), in collaboration with the University of Milan and the Cà Granda Foundation, launched a self-assessment questionnaire that aims to help women identify signs of physical, psychological, and economic violence and connect them with support services.
- Public Health Wales reports a record 562 alcohol-specific deaths in 2023, a 15.6% increase from the previous year. Hospital admissions also surged, with over 12,000 cases, particularly among older adults and those in deprived areas.
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden finds that reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity could cut societal costs of some non-communicable diseases by at least 25%.
- An evaluation of the Dutch action plan on physical activity by the Dutch Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) highlights the need for structural, long-term policies to increase physical activity and urges extending policies beyond 2025 to achieve lasting impact.
- In response to the psychological impact of the DANA floods, the Spanish Ministry of Health has allocated €3 million to establish Mental Health Emergency Units (MSEUs). This first-of-its-kind national initiative will provide specialised mental health support during emergencies and natural disasters for affected communities.
- The Slovenian National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ), along with the Ministry of Health, launched the zVEM portal and mobile app to enable users in accessing digital healthcare. It provides secure patient-doctor communication.
- The Trimbos Institute in the Netherlands warns that nearly 40% of young vapers do not know how much nicotine their device contains, and two-thirds do not feel addicted and urges for stricter enforcement of the flavour ban to curb youth vaping.
- Public Health Wales explores the impact of behavioural science in public health using Realist Ripple Effects Mapping. The findings highlights key themes to progress including relationship-building, capability development, and the practical application of behavioural science in policy and practice.
- A new publication from the Andalusian Regional Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs offers updated insights into migrant mental healthcare, with a focuson vulnerable groups, along with policy recommendations.
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News from the Institutions
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WHO/Europe brief explores the financial implications of ageing for health systems
The new brief aims to improve our understanding of how population ageing affects the financial sustainability of health systems, focusing particularly on affordable access to healthcare. Using a simulator, it predicts the effects of the gap between health system revenue and expenditures, highlighting the impact on out-of-pocket payments. Policy recommendations help countries to prepare for the future.
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The EU presents strategies on clean industries and affordable energy
The Clean Industrial Deal is the European Commission’s strategy to boost industry by making decarbonisation a driver of growth. It focuses on lowering energy costs, strengthening clean manufacturing, and promoting sustainable industrial growth. A key pillar of this strategy is the Action Plan for Affordable Energy which includes measures to lower electricity bills costs, accelerate clean energy investments, and improve grid efficiency. It also emphasises protecting vulnerable consumers to ensure a just transition. Read EuroHealthNet’s response to the release here.
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EU Parliament adopts report on the Semester 2025 cycle
The European Parliament’s plenary session (11–15 March) adopted the report on the European Semester for economic policy coordination 2025, stressing coordinated EU action on rising housing costs, access to healthcare, education, and stronger social protections. The report highlights macroeconomic challenges, including fiscal sustainability, rising debt-to-GDP ratios. It also calls for transparent, responsible policies, structural reforms, and better implementation of Country-Specific Recommendations to support economic stability and social investments.
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The Union of Skills: strengthening Europe’s workforce
The European Commission has launched the Union of Skills, a key initiative to enhance lifelong learning, upskilling, and job mobility across the EU. It includes new targets for basic skills, STEM education, and talent attraction, alongside measures like the “Skills Guarantee pilot” and a “Skills Portability Initiative” to ensure workers can adapt to evolving labour market demands.
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Regulation on the European Health Data Space (EHDS) published
The EHDS establishes a common framework for the use and exchange of electronic health data across the EU. With the EHDS Regulation published, the EU will begin implementation on 26 March, establishing governance bodies and adopting 20+ legal measures. Data exchanges for primary use will launch in 2029, with further expansion in 2031.
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What we are reading...
Alcohol To prevent underage drinking, Spanish ministers approved a new bill to increase awareness programmes in schools and families, breathalyser tests, and alcohol tracking in medical records, with rehabilitation options instead of fines for minors.
Alcohol A new report highlights the individual and societal benefits of reducing alcohol consumption, including fewer accidents, and crimes and recommends policies like alcohol taxes and availability restrictions for improving public health and economic outcomes – Alcohol and Society
Behavioural sciences A new WHO report outlines progress on behavioural and cultural insights (BCI) in 2024, following the adoption of a five-year action framework. Collaborating with Member States, WHO supported BCI research, interventions, and training to promote people-centred, culturally informed, and evidence-based approaches to health behaviours across the region.
Climate change A new scoping review highlights key communicating strategies to engage policymakers in urgent climate-health action. Findings stress the importance of tailored messaging, accessible evidence, and coalition-building to drive policy change.
COVID-19 Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, Reuters reports on its ongoing economic ripple effects on global markets, labour, and consumer behaviour.
Disability A landmark report from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the Missing Billion Initiative highlights inequalities in maternity care for disabled women in the UK, including higher infant mortality rates, lower levels of breastfeeding, longer postnatal stays, and higher caesarean rates.
Disability A new study in the Netherlands highlights significant disparities in cancer screening participation for individuals with intellectual disabilities compared to the general population; participation rates are much lower and invalid test results are more frequent – The Lancet Public Health
Employment The EU’s employment rate is on track despite economic challenges. However, efforts are still required to meet skills development and poverty reduction goals – European Commission
Energy povery The WELLBASED project has released findings from an 18-month study on the health and wellbeing effects of home energy interventions and provides insights into energy poverty solutions.
Fairness The new “Just Europe” podcast explores employment, skills, social affairs, and just transition. Experts, policymakers, and affected communities discuss how research and evidence-based policymaking can drive inclusive change. Episode 1: "Left behind: Fact or feeling?" examines citizens’ concerns about exclusion from economic and technological change.
Gender equality The European Parliamentary Research Service presents an infographic detailing maternity and paternity leave across EU Member States. It also outlines relevant policy frameworks at the EU level.
Gender equality A European Parliamentary Research Service report highlights gender gaps in health and healthcare, detailing challenges like delayed diagnoses, pain bias, research disparities, and limited access to services for women. It also outlines EU actions and frameworks aimed at closing these gaps.
Healthcare The Polish EU Presidency has set healthcare digitalisation, prevention, and mental health as key priorities during the "Health and Security for the Future" conference. The presidency will also introduce a report on social media’s impact on youth mental health.
Life expectancy Life expectancy in the EU reached 81.4 years in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The highest life expectancy was recorded in the Comunidad de Madrid, while Bulgaria had the lowest. Women continue to outlive men by an average of 5.3 years - Eurostat
Mental health A BMC Public Health study shows adverse childhood experiences and negative school experiences increase mental illness risk in adulthood. Trauma-informed school approaches can help build resilience and improve long-term health outcomes.
Obesity A new Lancet report warns that over 60% of adults and 30% of young people worldwide could be overweight or obese by 2050 if no urgent action is taken. Authors call for systemic changes in healthcare, food policies, and urban planning to curb this crisis.
Obesity UNICEF Italy’s new report highlights rising childhood obesity rates globally and in Italy and names poor diet, low physical activity, and excessive screen time as key contributors.
Social prescribing Inspired by a 2019 WHO study on arts and health, a new pilot project in Switzerland allows doctors to prescribe museum and botanical garden visits to support patients with mental health conditions and chronic illnesses - Reuters
Tobacco The implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has led to a one-third drop in global tobacco use since its adoption in 2005. Despite progress, 1.3 billion people still use tobacco, with the industry aggressively marketing new products.
Vapes The French Alliance Against Tobacco reports that over 200 influencers have illegally promoted vapes and nicotine pouches on Instagram since 2019, despite France banning such advertising in 2016. France recently announced a ban on the sale of nicotine pouches.
Vapes The Netherlands will crack down on illegal vape trade and restrict sales to specialist shops from 2026, paired with a prevention campaign targeting parents of secondary school students. In Poland, a bill was approved to ban flavoured heated tobacco products to reduce the appeal of vapes and limit accessibility.
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Events
- The Contribution of Health Promotion to Democracy: Fostering Participation, Equity, and Intersectoral Action in Local Governance – JA PreventNCD 26 March, online, EuroHealthNet speaking
- Social prescribing and network management: implementation in community, primary care and hospital settings – WHO/EURO – 27 March, online
- From risk to resilience: Effective engagement on climate adaptation for health at sub-national levels - European Environment and Health Process (EHP) Partnership for Health Sector Climate Action – 2 April, online
- Polish Presidency conference on promotion of the mental health of children and adolescents in the context of digitalisation – exchange of views – 7-8 April, Krakow (Poland)
- EuroHealthNet Capacity Building Workshop: Ethics in health promotion: how to implement ethical frameworks in public health institutes (Members-only) - 28 April, online
- From Data to Action: Empowering Policies for Sustainable Choices - PSLifestyle project final conference - 13 May, Brussels (Belgium), EuroHealthNet speaking
- EuroHealthNet Country Exchange Visit: Social Participation and Youth Engagement for Better Health (Members-only) - 3-4 June, Ljubljana (Slovenia)
- EuroHealthNet Annual Seminar 2025: Climate change and health - 11 June, Brussels
- EuroHealthNet General Council Meeting (Members-only) - 12-13 June, Brussels
- 27th Austrian Health Promotion Conference on "Health for all! Health promotion - the path to the people" – 26 June, Salzburg (Austria)
- 2nd World Conference on Migration, Ethnicity, Race and Health – 2-5 September, Lisbon (Portugal)
- European Forum for Primary Care Conference – 7-9 September, Vienna (Austria) – Call for abstracts now open (Deadline 15 April)
- European Health Forum Gastein – 30 September – 3 October, Gastein (Austria)
- 18th European Public Health Conference: Investing for health and well-being – 12-14 November, Helsinki (Finland) - Call for abstracts now open (Deadline 1 May)
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In case you missed it...
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EU Semester on Health: Building Momentum: - A tool to reduce health inequalities across Europe – 6 February (Report available here)
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Polish Presidency of the EU Council: Unmet needs in cardiovascular health in Europe: current state, challenges, and solutions – 25 February (Report available here)
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European Commission - Webinar on European Health Data Space and Secondary Use of health data - 27 February (Recording available here)
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WHO 2nd European Programme of Work - Climate Change and Health: Shaping a Resilient Future – 28 February (Recording available here)
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The European Employment and Social Rights Forum - Youth Policy dialogue – 6 March (Recording available here)
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WHO 2nd European Programme of Work - Health security and emergency preparedness: building a safe and secure European Region – 7 March (Recording available here)
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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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