EuroHealthNet input to the EU Roadmap consultation on the 8th progress report on economic, social and regional cohesion
EuroHealthNet believes that the 8th report on economic, social and territorial disparities should include a greater focus on health inequalities, as a key indicator of whether the investments being made to improve cohesion are truly benefiting the health of people and generating more well-being across societies. Since the publication of the 7th progress report on economic, social and regional cohesion, the situation across the EU and the world has dramatically changed. The COVID-19 syndemic, which can be seen as symptom of the chronic environmental crisis we face, has made all too clear the inter-relationship between health and the economy. However, this time also provides an opportunity to reassess our values and invest in initiatives that strengthen the EU’s social foundations, while re-orienting economic activities to respect planetary boundaries.
EuroHealthNet recommends the following to strengthen cohesion and to deliver on the EU’s priorities in relation to achieving a fair green and digital transition:
- Systematically include health and health equity in assessments of regional disparities.
- Assess the extent to which a wide range of sectors, including the health and social sectors, are collaborating to define and implement funding priorities.
- Encourage EU Member States to develop pan-governmental strategies and set targets to reduce health inequalities.
The full feedback can be found here.
More information is available here.