New Commissioners, don’t lose sight of health in all EU policies
EuroHealthNet responds to the presentation of the new College of Commissioners and asks them to prioritise health and wellbeing as a cross-cutting issue.
Yesterday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the new European Commissioners and their portfolios, calling for joined-up policies. While waiting for the confirmation hearings, EuroHealthNet expresses concerns about the lack of visibility of policies that improve health and address inequalities which should go hand in hand with the current EU narrative on boosting competitiveness.
The lessons of COVID-19 seem to have been forgotten quickly. Without good health, a society cannot thrive. Investing in health, mental health, and wellbeing makes sense from any angle, including economic, labour market productiveness, social cohesion, and solidarity. Investing in action that addresses climate change and environmental pollution is also vital for health and a sustainable economy. Europeans expect strong and decisive action at the European level. Will the new political leaders of the European Commission meet its citizens' expectations?
A healthy population is fundamental to a competitive, thriving economy and vice versa. To make sure this sentiment is not lost in the next College of Commissioners' mandate, we call for a renewed focus on promoting health and reducing health inequalities.
Caroline Costongs
Director of EuroHealthNet
To create a Europe in which people and the planet can prosper and its economy remains highly competitive in the global market, EuroHealthNet asks the nominated Commissioners to:
- Strive for the overall vision to achieve a Wellbeing Economy in the EU and take a Health in All EU Policies approach.
- Broaden the European Health Union to include equity, health promotion, disease prevention, and mental health.
- Strengthen the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and ensure that the digital and green transitions do not leave people behind.
EuroHealthNet will work with Members of the European Parliament to formulate questions for the hearings. This will include the following preliminary questions for the Commissioner for Health:
- What are your plans to reduce health inequalities in Europe?
- How do you foresee the full implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and how will you fast-track measures, such as the revision of the EU Tobacco Directive?
- What will you do about the rising rates of obesity, specifically among children, and about the increasingly unhealthy food environments we live in?
- In what ways will you consider health promotion an investment, not a cost, and secure the future adequacy and sustainability of the EU4Health Programme?
EuroHealthNet is ready to support the new College of Commissioners and all relevant stakeholders to find systemic solutions to the challenges we face today and make health and wellbeing a cross-cutting priority in all EU policy.
Related resources
Improving health equity in Europe
Priorities for the 2024-2029 EU policy landscape
European Pillar of Social Rights Flashcard Tool
A guide for public health professionals and decision-makers
An Economy of Wellbeing for Health Equity
Fostering a transition towards healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable societies
