Healthy Europe coalition calls for EU Charter on Wellbeing

BRUSSELS, (February 24)

All Policies for a Healthy Europe - an inter-sectoral initiative that aims to ensure citizen’s health and wellbeing are a core priority for the European Union - has called on the European Commission to create a Charter on Wellbeing to effectively assess the impact of EU policies on the quality of people’s lives.

In a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and her Vice-Presidents, the coalition of influential non-governmental and not-for-profit organisations, think-tanks, trade associations and individual companies also proposed the creation of an Observatory of Well-being which would ensure the consistent application of the principles laid out in the Charter.

The letter signed by the coalition’s Chair and former MEP Marian Harkin draws on a recent Eurobarometer survey which showed that over 70% of Europeans want to see more action at EU level on health and well-being.

“European citizens need concrete action to improve their wellbeing as almost 4 million cancer cases were diagnosed in Europe last year, whilst cancer is often a preventable disease and every year, more than 1 in 6 people struggle with mental health problems across the EU,” the letter states.

“All Policies for a Healthy Europe is keen to support the vision for a healthy, climate-neutral and socially inclusive Europe alongside the European Commission. We are committed to contribute our expertise to engage constructively with the Commission on an Economy that Works for People, a Europe fit for the Digital Age, the European Green Deal, as well as Promoting our European Way of Life by investing in citizens’ health and well-being,” the letter adds.

For any queries, please email: secretariat@healthyeurope.eu

All Policies for a Healthy Europe is an intersectoral initiative composed of influential non-governmental and not-for-profit organisations, thinktanks, trade associations and individual companies. We aim to ensure that health and well-being are considered in all relevant EU policy areas. We see health and well-being as crucial contributors to a stronger economic model, one that encompasses more than just GDP and fiscal rules, and which targets inclusive growth and sustainable development. We champion a broad vision of health policy, encompassing Europe’s role in addressing the multi-dimensional determinants of health and well-being – economic, social, environmental and political. We seek opportunities for collaboration beyond the healthcare sector, and we embrace the potential of data and digital technologies to improve citizens’ well-being. More information here: www.healthyeurope.eu

Our Knowledge Partners

Our Knowledge Partners contribute to the strategic direction of the initiative, providing data and guidance on content, and input on political and communications activities. Knowledge Partners should align with initiative values, have a positive public perception and be active in the initiative’s focus areas (Economy that Works for People, a Europe fit for the Digital Age, and the European Green Deal).

Download this letter.