High-level Conference on the Economy of Wellbeing: Finland strives for better cohesion between wellbeing and economic growth in the EU

Finland aims to improve the understanding of EU decision-makers of the fact that wellbeing and economic policy should be dealt with hand in hand. This theme will be discussed at the High-level Conference on the Economy of Wellbeing in Helsinki on 18–19 September 2019. The economy of wellbeing is one of the main themes of Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, and the conference is one of the main events organised by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health during the Presidency.

Finland aims to improve the understanding of EU decision-makers of the fact that wellbeing and economic policy should be dealt with hand in hand. This theme will be discussed at the High-level Conference on the Economy of Wellbeing in Helsinki on 18–19 September 2019. The economy of wellbeing is one of the main themes of Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, and the conference is one of the main events organised by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health during the Presidency.

There is a two-way relationship between people’s wellbeing and economic growth. The wellbeing of people is a prerequisite for both economic growth and the stability of society and the economy. Economic growth also creates more opportunities to improve the wellbeing of all citizens. The economy of wellbeing approach aims to ensure everyone’s inclusion and equal opportunities for all.

The economy of wellbeing means that public funds are invested to improve people’s wellbeing. As a result, people are healthier and they work and pay taxes. When a person is healthy and well, he or she also needs fewer health and social services. This is crucial for national economies, with populations ageing all over Europe, including in Finland.

The Council is now preparing conclusions on the economy of wellbeing under the leadership of Finland. They are to be adopted at the meeting of the EU ministers for social affairs and employment in October. The said Council conclusions will include recommendations for measures by EU member states and the Commission.

The High-level Conference on the Economy of Wellbeing will be streamed live.

• Conference videos
• Conference agenda on the EU2019.fi-webpage
• Discussion on Twitter: hashtags #economyofwellbeing and #EU2019FI
• Economy of wellbeing
• Fact sheet:Economy of wellbeing in the EU:people’s wellbeing fosters economic growth

Inquiries:
Noora Saarinen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 163 039