New Commissioners, new approach to policymaking?
Social participation as a driver for health equity
In her Mission Letters to the Commissioners designates, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been clear. The European Union is entering a new era where citizen participation and dialogue are embedded in European policymaking, promoting a true and lasting culture of participative democracy.
Ahead of the Commissioners’ confirmation hearings, EuroHealthNet joins President von der Leyen’s call for embedding dialogue by launching its newest Policy Précis. The four-pager explores social participation and citizen engagement as essential to effective and equitable policies and helps policymakers and public health authorities strengthen dialogue in their work.
Why social participation and citizen engagement?
Involving citizens in policymaking helps create policies that reflect real needs, have community endorsement, and are sustainable. It is especially powerful in public health: dialogue can reduce health inequalities, improve the efficiency of health interventions, and increase transparency in health-related decisions, thereby building trust and fostering resilience.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), itself a strong advocate for social participation in public health, urges Member States to implement, strengthen and sustain regular and meaningful participation in all health decisions. This week, the WHO Regional Office for Europe, at its 74th Regional Committee meeting, launched its first-ever non-State actor Engagement Plan, with the aim to boost collaboration between WHO, Member States, civil society actors and other stakeholders.
"EuroHealthNet welcomes this increased focus on participatory and inclusive policymaking. By giving everyone a voice to share their perspectives—particularly young people and marginalised groups across Europe—and through meaningful cooperation, we can be more effective and improve wellbeing for all."
Suzanne Costello
CEO, Institute of Public Health Ireland
President, EuroHealthNet
What will we learn from the Commissioner hearings?
As the Commissioners-designate appear in front of the European Parliament over the next two weeks, we expect to hear about their plans to involve citizens and stakeholders in decision-making processes.
EuroHealthNet applauds the new Commissioner portfolio for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport. It looks forward to hearing from the proposed candidate, Glenn Micallef, on 4 November, about his plans to set up an annual youth policy dialogue within the first 100 days of his mandate and to create a youth advisory board to engage directly with the European Commission President.
Guidance for decision-makers and public health authorities
EuroHealthNet’s new Policy Précis, ‘Promoting health equity through social participation and citizen engagement,’ dives into the challenges of engagement and the requirements to ensure everyone gets to be heard and participate.
The précis provides an overview of EU, WHO and international initiatives and shares practice examples from Portugal, Slovenia, and Italy. Finally, practical recommendations help decision-makers and authorities create space for dialogue in their own work.
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
