Since our last newsletter focusing on the Healthy Environments Cluster, we’ve witnessed substantial institutional changes. A new, more fragmented, European Parliament has elevated the former Subcommittee on Health (SANT) to a full Committee status. Meanwhile, the European Commission has undergone reform, introduced a newly appointed Commissioner for Health and has distributed health responsibilities across various Directorates-General. We hope that this restructuring reflects a political will to integrate health considerations across multiple policy areas.
However, these transformations also bring challenges. Health funding has been reduced, and health issues are no longer as prominent on the political agenda, particularly as we focus on health outside the innovation perspective. The redistribution of health competencies across several Directorates-General has created a more fragmented policymaking landscape, making it harder to protect public health effectively. At the same time, funding for civil society organisations (CSOs) is shrinking, reducing the space for our advocacy and action amidst increased lobbying by health-harming industries. These industries continue to threaten public health with aggressive marketing strategies targeting young people with unhealthy foods and escalating the use of alcohol and new, addictive, tobacco products across Europe.
In response to the diminished support for and inclusion of CSOs, EPHA has taken a co-coordinator role in the EU4Health Civil Society Alliance. Yet, we lack a similar alliance to combat the pressures from the health-harming industry. There is an urgent need for organisations like ours to come together and counter these challenges through a holistic approach that fosters effective prevention policies. Such policies must encompass health equity, digital transformation, the healthcare workforce, as well as global public health challenges.
This mindset has already been embraced by several EPHA members and allies this year, who have made significant strides towards establishing health-conducive environments. You can find some of these examples highlighted in this newsletter:
- Toma Mikalauskaitė of the European Cancer Leagues (ECL), a member of EPHA, highlights the critical importance of cancer prevention, treatment, and care within the European Parliament. Next year, ECL will continue its role as the secretariat for the Members of the European Parliament Against Cancer (MAC) interest group.
- Colleagues from the OECD, including Sabine Vuik, Cormac Everard, and Michele Cecchini, have provided a comprehensive analysis of the growing burden of cancer across Europe. Their recent report focuses on the economic impacts and actionable prevention strategies, serving as a fundamental resource in fortifying EPHA’s evidence-based advocacy efforts.
- Rebecka Öberg and Otto Nermo from IOGT-NTO, a member of EPHA, have discussed the importance of the Swedish alcohol monopoly. Their efforts underscore ongoing challenges and highlight the critical role that collaboration among CSOs plays in safeguarding national policies and influencing the broader EU framework.
- In the realm of nutrition, Béatrice Morio and Jessica Doppler from the Healthy Diet Healthy Life Initiative (HDHL), where EPHA as a member of the stakeholder advisory board, have emphasised the necessity of health-centric food systems, advocating for ambitious policies to foster healthier eating practices across Europe.
- EPHA’s advisory role also extends to the Joint Action on Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes (JACARDI), where Natalia Skogberg has stressed the importance of integrating equity and diversity systematically into all health initiatives, tailoring approaches to meet the specific needs of different populations and areas.
- Lastly, Lars Münter from the Nordic Wellbeing Academy has highlighted the significant gaps in mental health indicators post-pandemic. His insights are guiding EPHA’s coordination efforts in developing new, comprehensive indicators to navigate the complex landscape of mental health.
As we conclude this year, we look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead. It is crucial that we continue to urge the EU, in this new political term, to fulfil its commitments, such as fully implementing the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan which mandates clear consumer information on alcohol, tobacco, and food. Simultaneously, we must escalate our ambitions concerning NCD prevention policies and the creation of health-protecting environments.
Moving forward, we are not merely reacting to changes but are actively shaping a healthier future for all in Europe. We remain committed to advocating for policies rooted in evidence, designed to shield our communities and policy-making processes from the detrimental influence of health-harming industries. To succeed, maintaining a united front is more crucial than ever. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can make a significant difference. Stay engaged with EPHA as we continue to drive changes and advocate for a healthier, more equitable Europe.