| 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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EU Anti-Poverty Strategy gathers pace
EPSCO discussions and Parliament vote set out priorities on poverty reduction
During an informal meeting, Employment and Social Affairs ministers discussed the EU’s upcoming Anti-Poverty Strategy. They emphasised that tackling poverty requires stronger social protection policies and enhanced collaboration among Member States, as part of a more resilient and socially inclusive Europe that leaves no one behind. They also highlighted the importance of access to decent work, green and digital transitions, long-term care, and active ageing.
In parallel, the European Parliament adopted an own-initiative report calling on the European Commission to recognise poverty as a violation of human dignity and to work towards eradicating it already by 2035 (in contrast to the Commission’s 2050 commitment). The report places strong emphasis on tackling child poverty, access to decent work, housing, and public services. Poverty is a root cause of health inequalities.
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‘Safer online, stronger together’
EU steps up action to protect children in the digital age
The European Commission has launched a new action plan to protect children and young people from cyberbullying. The plan rests on three pillars: 1) stronger coordinated EU action using existing tools such as the Digital Services Act, the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and the AI Act; 2) prevention and awareness through guidance and training for teachers and schools; and 3) improved reporting and support for victims, including an EU-wide app to help young people seek help and store evidence. Member States are invited to translate these measures into national legislation.
Alongside this, the Commission has preliminarily found TikTok in breach of the Digital Services Act due to addictive design features which pose risks to users’ mental wellbeing, particularly minors. If the allegations are confirmed, the European Commission could impose a fine of up to 6% of the company’s global annual turnover.
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Updated European Code Against Cancer sets sights on vapes and air pollution
Code reflects new evidence and emphasises the role of policymakers
The new and 5th edition of the European Code Against Cancer explicitly recognises air pollution as a cancer risk factor, strengthens tobacco guidance by explicitly addressing vaping, extends human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination recommendations to boys, and tightens advice on alcohol consumption. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), under a mandate from the European Commission, released the updated Code, expanding it to 14 recommendations and making it available in 23 European languages.
For the first time, it also adds a dedicated set of recommendations for policymakers in particular, setting out population-level actions to support prevention alongside the public-facing guidance.
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EU Parliament adopts rules on reduced-alcohol wine labels
New rules are part of new legislation to support European wine producers
At the plenary on 10 February, the European Parliament approved a new package of measures that clarifies how alcohol-free and reduced-alcohol wines can be marketed. After months of debate, the final text allows products with at least 30% less alcohol than standard wines to be labelled ‘alcohol reduced'.
Earlier proposals to introduce a ‘low-alcohol’ category were dropped following concerns from public health groups about misleading consumers. The label 'reduced-alcohol' for wines up to 9% alcohol can, however, still create a false sense of safety for citizens and undermine public health objectives.
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EuroHealthNet Partnership
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EuroHealthNet calls for health at the centre of Europe’s Anti-Poverty Strategy
Ahead of the launch of the EU’s first-ever Anti-Poverty Strategy, EuroHealthNet called for health to sit at the core of the EU’s Anti-Poverty Strategy, supported by a new policy brief. It warns that eradicating poverty by 2050 will remain out of reach unless health inequalities are addressed and offers concrete policy recommendations.
This message is complemented by our latest 2025 Semester analysis, which shows how stronger social and health investment through the European Semester can support poverty reduction and long-term economic resilience.
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Improving health for highly vulnerable populations: report on Country Exchange Visit
At EuroHealthNet’s Country Exchange Visit in Athens in November, participants from nine member organisations explored the structural, social, and economic determinants driving the marginalisation of certain groups. The visit was hosted by the PROLEPSIS institute, and facilitated an exchange on national and local models to improve the situation and health of these populations. Now available, the event report shares many resources.
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Towards an EU Strategy for Women’s Health
The European Institute of Women’s Health launched its Strategy for Women’s Health at the European Parliament. EuroHealthNet contributed insights to the discussion, which highlighted the need to address gender-specific health inequalities through a life-course approach, a stronger focus on socioeconomic determinants, improved women’s health research, and gender-responsive prevention and health promotion policies.
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Advancing health-promoting schools in Europe
Led by EuroHealthNet, the Schools4Health initiative worked on policies and best practices to turn schools into health-promoting settings. Last December, the initiative concluded with a conference and a policy expert meeting. The recordings and reports of the events are now available.
EuroHealthNet and its partners are committed to taking the work forward. A new EuroHealthNet technical working group (TWIG) is exploring opportunities to revitalise the European Network of Health-Promoting Schools, and Maastricht University has launched a new Health Promoting School Research Group. Interested researchers can subscribe here.
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Video: addressing energy poverty in Bulgaria
As part of EuroHealthNet’s series on climate, health, and the built environment, the video features initiatives empowering residents in Bulgaria to improve their homes and build skills to use energy as efficiently as possible. The need to act is especially urgent in Bulgaria, where poor-quality buildings, combined with extreme temperatures in both winter and summer, affect health and push people into energy poverty year-round.
The video was produced in collaboration with the Bulgarian National Center of Public Health and Analyses (NCPHA) and raises awareness on the need for an EU-wide strategy on climate and health.
Other videos in the series address a ban on the use of solid fuel to heat homes in Ireland, mitigating heat waves in schools in Spain, and creating climate-neutral healthcare facilities in Austria.
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Tackling health inequality through the European Pillar of Social Rights
DEFACTUM has published a new report with concrete recommendations to support the implementation of Principle 16 of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which sets out the right to healthcare. The report builds on a session co-organised with EuroHealthNet and Aarhus University at the 2025 European Health Forum Gastein, focusing on improving the health of people in vulnerable situations.
EuroHealthNet’s Flashcard Tool on the Social Pillar further supports this work by showcasing good practice examples linking health and social policy from across Europe and highlighting relevant EU initiatives.
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EuroHealthNet responds to consultations
Read all our consultation responses here.
Open consultations: |
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Advancing social prescribing for older people
The Italian region of Tuscany has established a new task force to develop guidelines for implementing social prescribing within the healthcare system. The aim is to reform elderly care through humanised, community-based approaches to respond to demographic change.
In Spain, the Basque Government's Department of Health has launched the first pilot socio-health centre in Aretxabaleta, which integrates health, social, and community services in a single space, focusing on prevention and personalised care for people over 70.
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Reducing the burden of alcohol consumption
Santé publique France co-organised an international symposium with EuroHealthNet in Brussels on reducing alcohol-related harms back in December 2024. Now published, the report of the symposium captures the discussions, highlighting the need for evidence-based information for the public, such as low-risk drinking guidelines and health warnings.
The symposium emphasised the need for stronger regulation, countering the influence of economic interests and coordinated action across countries.
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Andalusia’s Migration and Health Network
The Andalusian Migration and Health Network (ISIR) has been included in the WHO ‘Panel of Promoting health equity for people on the move’ as a promising international practice. Led by the Andalusian Ministry of Health and managed by the Andalusian School of Public Health, the network promotes intercultural, evidence-based approaches to improve care for migrant populations, including dedicated intercultural training for healthcare and social care professionals.
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Strengthening youth participation for health
In Germany, the Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG) has launched its first Youth Advisory Board to involve young people directly in shaping health topics, communication, and services.
In the Netherlands, the Trimbos Institute has conducted a study exploring how meaningful youth participation can be employed to strengthen drug prevention. It outlines practical conditions to ensure young people have real influence while keeping interventions evidence-based.
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More news from the Partnership
- EuroHealthNet presented findings from its report, ‘Social inequalities in health in the EU’, in Slovenia, hosted by the country’s Ministry of Health. Slovenia is the only country showing progress in both improving health across all groups and reducing gaps in health and mental health.
- The RIVER-EU project, which aims to improve vaccine equity for underserved communities across Europe, has released its latest newsletter. It includes project updates as well as recent European developments related to immunisation and equity. Subscribe to stay informed.
- The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has updated its national recommendations on children’s digital use, advising that children under 13 should not have their own smartphones and setting clear age-based limits on screen time. Further recommendations for adolescents aged 13–18 are planned for 2026.
- Spain’s Ministry of Health has launched a National Health Data Space, positioning the country at the forefront of the future European Health Data Space. The initiative aims to enable the secure and ethical use of health data to improve care, research, and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
- A study by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) highlights how existing nutrition policies deliver gains for both public health and sustainability. It recommends stronger action to maximise impact, including reducing overconsumption of unhealthy and high-impact foods and increasing the availability of sustainable options.
- Nature-based solutions in urban areas bring more nature into cities, providing environmental, social, and economic benefits. In Turin, a JA PreventNCD pilot helps local stakeholders and decision-makers introduce nature-based solutions by developing tools for mapping priorities and selecting appropriate interventions.
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News from the Institutions
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WHO launches guideline on healthy school food environments
The Department of Nutrition and Food Safety released a new WHO guideline that provides Member States with evidence-based recommendations on how to improve school food environments. The guideline covers food provision, nutrition standards for foods and drinks sold or served at school, and behavioural ‘nudging’ measures to promote healthier choices. It also calls for alignment with wider food system policies, including marketing restrictions and nutrition labelling.
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European Commission adopts regulation on EU health security
The regulation sets out how Member States must coordinate their work through the Health Security Committee in case of serious cross-border health threats. It operationalises the EU’s strengthened health security framework introduced after COVID-19 and clarifies procedures for information exchange, joint risk assessments and coordinated public health responses. The purpose is to improve preparedness, consistency, and solidarity across the EU in future health emergencies.
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Implementation of the European Affordable Housing Plan takes off
Ministers responsible for housing met informally under the Cyprus Presidency to discuss the European Affordable Housing Plan, which was presented by the European Commission in December 2025. The exchange confirmed a shared understanding that housing is a common European challenge requiring continued dialogue and coordinated action.
Building on this, the Commission brought Member States together to focus on implementation, including operationalising the Housing Alliance through joint work on data and indicators, investment, tackling short-term rentals, and supporting those most affected. Affordable, quality housing is an important determinant of health.
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EU High-level conference highlights mental health as a strategic priority
The High-level Conference on Mental Health and Inclusion on 27 January, organised by Cyprus’s EU Presidency, highlighted mental health as a strategic priority for Europe’s social cohesion, resilience, and sustainable development. Discussions stressed the need for cross-sectoral action, stronger prevention, and community-based approaches. Particular attention was given to young people and the role of supportive environments, including housing, education and employment, in promoting mental wellbeing.
Building on the conclusions of the High-Level Conference, one of the sessions at this week’s informal meeting of health ministers will focus specifically on the EU’s role and leadership in mental health and inclusion, with particular attention to young people.
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What we are reading...
Cardiovascular health An editorial in The Lancet Public Health welcomes the EU Safe Hearts Plan as a milestone, but stresses the need for more investment in prevention and stronger action on commercial determinants of health, particularly unhealthy food systems.
Citizen participation A new guide by the Bertelsmann Stiftung and the Federation for Innovation in Democracy Europe (FIDE) sets out 23 concrete recommendations on how public institutions can design citizen participation processes that actually influence decision-making.
Climate change A joint European Environment Agency and Eurofound report shows that most Europeans are concerned about extreme heat and other climate impacts, yet many feel underprepared to cope. 20% of respondents reported having none of the listed household measures to protect against extreme weather, and more than 38% said they could not afford to keep their home adequately cool in summer.
Energy poverty In 2024, 9.2 % of people living in the EU could not keep their home adequately warm; a 1.4 percentage-point increase compared to 2023 - Eurostat
EU priorities When asked what should be the European Parliament’s priorities, respondents ranked public health fourth, after the cost of living, the economy and jobs, and defence and security - Eurobarometer Autumn 2025
Gaming and gambling A cross-sectional study finds that both gaming and gambling are widespread among Italian adolescents, including minors. The analysis shows strong associations between recent gaming and gambling participation, particularly where in-game spending and loot boxes are involved – The Lancet Public Health.
Health system The Dutch government’s new coalition programme signals a stronger shift towards preventive care, including tackling GP shortages and moving long-term care from institutions into communities. The plans also include reforms to youth and mental health care and raising the minimum age for purchasing nicotine products from 18 to 21 - Dutch News
In-work poverty A review of the drivers of in-work poverty highlights the importance of improving job quality as well as the need for complementary income-support measures for households with dependents – European Commission
Mental health A large study in the UK finds that access to green space and cleaner air can help mitigate socioeconomic inequalities in depression. The analysis shows particularly pronounced protective effects for women and older adults – npj Mental Health Research .
Mental health WHO/Europe policy brief reviews the growing body of research on how active mobility supports mental health across the life course, alongside physical health and sustainability benefits.
Plastics Emissions across plastics’ lifecycles, particularly from production, drive health burdens linked to climate change, air pollution and toxic exposures. A business-as-usual scenario could result in a cumulative 83 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally between 2016 and 2040 – The Lancet Planetary Health
Prevention Dutch university hospitals have jointly developed a prevention roadmap to address the root causes of disease beyond the healthcare system. The roadmap is structured around investing in knowledge, innovating for healthier living environments, future-proofing education for health professionals, and strengthening policy advocacy.
Non-communicable diseases A recent World Economic Forum report has subtly reshaped the global NCD agenda. As a result, certain conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, are increasingly prioritised, while others, including oral health, dementia, obesity, and those resulting from air pollution, receive less attention - Health Policy Watch
PFAS A European Commission analysis estimates that continued ‘forever chemicals’ (PFAS) pollution could cost Europe around €440 billion by 2050 if no further regulatory action is taken. It also shows that early action to curb emissions at source could save up to €110 billion, whereas treating polluted water alone would cost over €1 trillion.
Poverty School meal programmes are increasingly important in tackling child poverty, food insecurity and obesity across the EU. Expanding coverage and strengthening legislation could significantly improve health, equity, and sustainability outcomes – The Lancet Public Health
Social media Spain has announced plans to ban social media use for children under 16, due to its harmful effects, including depression, anxiety, stress, and cyberbullying. The proposal requires parliamentary approval. Similar age-limit initiatives are being considered in France, Denmark, and the UK – Health Policy Watch
Ultraprocessed food Ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are highly engineered products designed to maximise reward and habitual consumption, similar to strategies developed by the tobacco industry. Tobacco-control policy tools must be adapted to address the growing public health harms linked to UPFs - Milbank Quarterly
Wellbeing economy A new WHO/Europe publication introduces the wellbeing economy approach as a framework for tackling challenges such as ageing populations, the rising cost of living, and the green and digital transitions.
Youth: The EU Youth Strategy has helped keep young people high on the political agenda and has strengthened overall participation. However, there was less progress on health and sustainability, and rural youth, migrants, and young people not in education or training are under-represented - European Parliamentary Research Service
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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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