Read the HL4EU Final Policy Recommendations
- May 4
- 2 min read
Policy Recommendations Enabling Cross-Sectoral Approaches for Healthy Lifestyles in Europe
The Healthy Lifestyles for Europe (HL4EU) Policy Recommendations aim to support stronger cross-sectoral approaches to healthy lifestyles through physical activity. Building on the HL4EU Call for Action, they respond to the need to better address the root causes of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), improve quality of life, and support more sustainable and resilient societies. Health outcomes are shaped by interconnected social, economic and environmental factors. Promoting healthy lifestyles therefore requires a preventive and coordinated approach across sectors such as health, sport and
physical activity, mobility, education, environment, and community development. Strengthening collaboration across these areas is essential to creating environments
that make healthy choices accessible to all.
These recommendations are based on evidence generated throughout the HL4EU project, including desk research, analysis of good practices across Europe, and stakeholder input through Virtual Focus Groups. To provide a clear and structured framework, the findings have been organised into a set of key policy areas, which represent the main domains where action is needed to strengthen cross-sectoral approaches to healthy lifestyles. These policy areas are translated into concrete policy recommendations, outlining specific actions for decision-makers at EU, national, and local levels. Building on this, the recommendations are further grouped into thematic sections, which offer a more detailed and coherent narrative around each area of action, including rationale and possible directions for implementation.
Key policy areas
Strengthening
cross-sector governance
and coordination
Ensuring sustainable
and collaborative
funding models
Integrating physical
activity within health
and prevention systems
Promoting equity and a
life-course approach to
healthy lifestyles
Strengthening evidence,
impact frameworks, and
whole-of-society engagement
Policy Recommendations
Strengthen cross-sector governance and coordination: Establish formal coordination mechanisms across policy sectors and governance levels to ensure aligned policy design and eff ective implementation.
Promote equity and a lifecourse approach to healthy lifestyles: Ensure policies address all stages of life and reduce barriers linked to socioeconomic, environmental, and accessibility factors.
Expand cross-sector and community engagement: Engage a wider range of sectors, including mobility, urban planning, environment, and education, while strengthening the role of communities and civil society in the design and implementation of policies.
Integrate physical activity within health and prevention systems: Embed physical activity within national health strategies, prevention programmes, and healthcare pathways, while strengthening links with community- based initiatives.
Strengthen evidence systems and the policy framing of prevention: Improve monitoring and evaluation frameworks to capture the broader impacts of healthy lifestyle initiatives, while positioning prevention as a longterm social and economic investment.
