On December 7th, EuroHealthNet and the European Economic and Social Committee hosted a dedicated event to discuss ways to unlock the potential of the European Semester and to achieve a ‘Wellbeing Economy’ through participatory societies. During the event, such important issues as challenges and threats to European societies, economies, and democratic values and ways of possible effective responses were discussed. Namely, in the context of their impact on people in vulnerable situations, resulting in widening social and health inequalities.
In the conference, the topic of a ‘Wellbeing Economy’ was explained as such that promotes an economy that benefits all people as well as the planet, and ensures human dignity and fairness. It also underscores the importance of collaboration across multiple sectors and participatory approaches to build stronger and more inclusive societies, ready to withstand current and future challenges. By integrating the ‘Wellbeing Economy’ into its socio-economic policies, particularly within the framework of the European Semester, the EU could transition towards a systems thinking governance considering not just the economic, but also natural, human and social assets. For instance, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Pillar of Social Right were defined as key documents to address the economy of wellbeing.
Find more information on the event here.
In 2024, EPR will organise a public webinar on the topic of the Economy of Wellbeing! All relevant information will be on our website soon!