New ways of defining economic and societal goals are emerging. The old GDP-centric model is giving way to approaches that place human and environmental well-being at the heart of government policy. The Sustainable Development Goals are a crucial example of this, as is the growing emphasis on the need to ensure ‘inclusive growth’ and reduced inequalities. If the EU is to respond to the needs and concerns of its citizens, it is vital that the new European institutions should embrace the paradigm shift. Citizens’ well-being must be at the centre of EU policies.
Whilst health is too often interpreted narrowly at European level – as meaning the treatment and care of people with chronic diseases or other health conditions – All Policies for a Healthy Europe champions a broader vision. We have two key recommendations:
- Support cross-sectoral and inter-sectoral action within health and well-being ‘clusters’;
- Create governance mechanisms that facilitate inter-sectoral action and multi-level cooperation on health and well-being.
Strategic clusters
All Policies for a Healthy Europe proposes three main clusters within which the major determinants of health and well-being would be addressed: An Economy that works for people; the European Green Deal; and a Europe fit for the Digital Age, underpinned by Promoting the European Way of Life.
Governance mechanisms
Mandate a senior European Commissioner
to oversee cross- and inter- sectoral action on health and well-being.
Strengthen Health and Well-being Impact Assessment
including health equity, by further developing the ‘health toolbox’ and supporting evidence/information systems
Align resources with inter-sectoral priorities
Opportunities should be identified within all policy clusters of the next Multi-annual Financial Framework.
Embed well-being in European economic governance:
Ensuring effective implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights via the European Semester would be an important step in this direction.
Maintain a ‘Home for Health’ within the Commission
a centre of knowledge and expertise that would support cross-sectoral action and inter-sectoral collaboration
Ensure systematic citizen and stakeholder participation
for example, through the creation of thematic Forums and ‘Dialogues’ that feed into policy development.
