Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL)

2026-07-22

In 2022, at least 9 legislative proposals for chemicals, pesticides, air quality, climate will be launched, as part of the EU Green Deal. With EGDPROTECTHEALTH-1, HEAL will advocate, engage, and communicate to 9 target groups (across 6 WPs), to turn these regulatory drafts into milestones for better human and planetary health, and address inequalities. As the leading European non-profit organisation for a healthy planet for healthy people, with over 90 member organisations, working at EU level and in Member States, HEAL is uniquely placed to help deliver on the development and implementation of EU environmental, climate policies. Anticipated policy results include especially advances in the protection against hazardous chemicals, pesticides, with 7 new initiatives, including classifying endocrine disruptors as a hazard group; updating landmark REACH, CLP laws; tackling the forever chemicals PFAS; getting toxics out of food packaging; reductions for synthetic pesticide use; a ban on glyphosate. Major steps forward for clean air and zero-pollution investments are also in the pipeline. The project includes a threefold advocacy strategy: science-policy translation; engagement of health organisations for key policy junctures; multi-language, tailored communication on the health benefits of EU action. Activities will in the short and long-term contribute to better human health and significantly cut down rates of heart, lung disease, cancer, etc. by tackling the environment, climate-related risks of ill-health, particularly for vulnerable groups. Impacts include boost for EGD implementation; more health protective policies; better evidence-base for EU environmental, climate policies; clear regulatory frameworks that will stimulate innovation in industries, markets; increased two way channeling, multiplier effect; decreased science-policy gap; greater political, public support for EU environmental, climate policies to benefit health today, and for future generations.

Belgium

2025-12-15