Launch of the ‘Social inequalities in health in the EU’ report
On Thursday 25 September and Friday 26 September, EuroHealthNet will launch its landmark report, 'Social inequalities in health in the EU'. The report has been developed in collaboration with the Centre for Health Equity Analytics (CHAIN).
This trend study, based on data from the European Social Survey in 2014 and 2024, provides a detailed picture to date of social inequalities in health across Europe over the past ten years. It shows health and mental health outcomes across groups with different levels of education and occupation, and how these outcomes have changed over the past 10 years. The report also presents examples of promising actions from across Europe and provides recommendations for EU and national policymakers.
The report will be launched in two parts: a live-streamed, high-level debate in the European Parliament on 25 September and a webinar on country-level data and measures on 26 September.
Before the launch events, in the morning of 25 September, EuroHealthNet and Professor Sir Michael Marmot will address the European Parliament SANT Committee, presenting the report's findings and how these can be taken forward by the Committee and the wider Parliament. A live stream of the Committee meeting, starting at 9:00 CEST, will be available.
Social inequalities in health: from data to action
25 September 2025, 13.00-15.00 CEST
European Parliament
Hosted by MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis on behalf of the EP Interest Group on Health Inequalities, Risk Factors and Prevention
Register to follow the live-stream
Social inequalities in health in Europe are not just a challenge; they are a call to action. Health outcomes are inextricably linked to our socioeconomic context, education, living and working conditions and access to essential services. Addressing these factors is not merely a health imperative; it is essential for preserving Europe’s social model and ensuring its competitiveness.
"The evidence from across Europe, gathered in this report, is inspiring.
Change is possible and is happening."
Professor Sir Michael Marmot
Director of Health Equity, University College London
Integrated policy responses are necessary. This requires continuous dialogue between policymakers across sectors, public health experts, and civil society, coupled with active citizen participation, including marginalised groups. What can we do to accelerate and ensure impactful European actions to improve health and reduce social inequalities in health?
This high-level debate will mark the launch of the new report on ‘Social Inequalities in Health in Europe’ by EuroHealthNet and the Centre for Health Equity Analytics (CHAIN), an essential read for decision-makers committed to creating healthier, wealthier and fairer societies.
Agenda
13.00 - 13.15: Opening remarks
- Vytenis Andriukaitis, MEP, Socialists & Democrats, Chair of the Interest Group on Health Inequalities, Risk Factors and Prevention
- Caroline Costongs, Director, EuroHealthNet
- Dr Hans Kluge, Regional Director for Europe, WHO – recorded video message
Register to follow the high-level European policy debate on 25 September 2025 from 13.00 - 15.00 CEST via live-stream.
Social inequalities in health: Are countries closing the health gap?
Webinar
26 September 2025 from 10 to 12h30 CEST
Online webinar
Register here.
Social inequalities in health in Europe are not just a challenge; they are a call to action. Health outcomes are inextricably linked to our socioeconomic context, education, living and working conditions. Many people experience obstacles to health, such as poverty, discrimination or lack of power and unequal access to essential services. Addressing these factors is not merely a health imperative; it is essential for preserving Europe’s social model and ensuring its competitiveness.
The new report on ‘Social Inequalities in Health in the EU’ by EuroHealthNet and the Centre for Health Equity Analytics (CHAIN) confirms the persisting inequalities and downward trends in many European countries and calls for action.
This online workshop will bring together European, national and regional public health experts, researchers, policymakers and representatives from civil society to discuss the report’s national and subnational data, the good practices and recommendations in more depth.
The insights shared will equip participants to drive integrated strategies that advance health while reducing social inequalities.
Agenda
10.00 – 10.05: Welcome and introduction
- Caroline Costongs, Director at EuroHealthNet, and moderator of the webinar - Welcome
10.05 – 10.40: The evidence: EuroHealthNet-CHAIN report’s key findings on ‘Social inequalities in health in the EU.‘
- Mirza Balaj, Project Leader, Centre for Health Equity Analytics (CHAIN)/ ROA Maastricht University – What does the data tell us about social inequalities in health?
- Ingrid Stegeman, Programme Manager at EuroHealthNet – What are the drivers and why care about health and its distribution across society?
- Dominic Watters, Single dad and poverty expert – Beyond the data: What can I tell you about social inequalities in health?
Audience Q&A
Register for the follow-up webinar on 26 September 2025 from 10-12:30 CEST, diving deeper into the report's national and sub-national data and good practices on addressing social inequalities in health.
EuroHealthNet-CHAIN report
Social inequalities in health in the EU
Are countries closing the health gap?
