Upholding EU Green Deal action for better health protection (2023-24)

Introduction

2023 is a decisive year for EGD implementation: key legislative proposals are deliberated or launched, in a significantly changed geopolitical context from the war in Ukraine. With this project, HEAL will advocate, engage, and communicate to 9 target groups, to uphold the EGD’s promise for a healthy planet for healthy people against rising Euroscepticism and resistance against a green, health-promoting agenda.

Focus Areas

We will especially emphasize cutting-edge evidence on:

• Social inequalities
• Health
• Pollution

HEAL's Role

As the leading European non-profit organisation working for better health through a healthy environment, with over 90 member organisations, HEAL is uniquely placed to:

1. Canvass health sector expertise
2. Boost engagement
3. Uphold the momentum for disease prevention in the development and implementation of EU environmental and climate policies

Anticipated Policy Results

Anticipated policy results include advances in the protection against hazardous chemicals and pesticides, such as:

• Updating landmark REACH and CLP laws
• Tackling the forever chemicals PFAS
• Reductions in synthetic pesticide use
• A ban on glyphosate

Health advocacy will also be key in the negotiations on health-based EU clean air standards, preventing false energy solutions.

Project Strategy

The project uses a threefold strategy:

1. Science-policy translation
2. Engagement of health organisations for key policy junctures
3. Multi-language, tailored communication on the need for EU action

Long-term Impact

Activities will, in the short and long term, contribute to better human health and reduce rates of heart and lung disease, cancer, etc., by tackling the environmental and climate-related risks of ill health, particularly for vulnerable groups, including those living in poverty.

Expected Outcomes

Impacts include:

• Continued, not derailed, EGD implementation
• More health-protective, equitable policies
• A better evidence base for EU policies
• Stronger two-way channeling and multiplier effect
• Decreased science-policy gap
• Ongoing support for EGD action to benefit health today and tomorrow, leaving no one behind