EuroHealthNet and the European Economic and Social Committee will host a dedicated event to discuss ways to unlock the potential of the European Semester and achieve a ‘Wellbeing Economy’ through participatory societies. The discussion will provide a key opportunity to exchange perspectives on the potential of strengthening health, equity, and wellbeing in the European Semester.

The concept of a ‘Wellbeing Economy’ promotes an economy that benefits all people as well as the planet, and ensures human dignity and fairness. It 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.

The wellbeing economy is particularly relevant in the context of the numerous challenges the EU has faced in the past few years. These challenges particularly impact on people in vulnerable situations, resulting in widening social and health inequalities. As such, they require comprehensive responses and forward-looking socio-economic policies that place people and the planet at their core.

More information about the programme can be found here. Registration for the conference is free, but mandatory, as seats in the EESC are limited. Please register by Thursday November 30th 2023. In-person (registration) participation is foreseen, though there will also be the possibility to also follow a livestream (registration) of the meeting