From Vision to Action: Advancing Sustainable Well-being in EU Policy and Beyond

When we set out to develop the SWEPPP project proposal, we identified a critical gap: the lack of a holistic approach to well-being - one that integrates personal, professional, and planetary well-being. Our vision was to define sustainable well-being as a multidimensional concept that not only nurtures individual health and fulfillment but also strengthens societal and environmental resilience.

Now, nearly 1.5 years into the project, it is inspiring to witness a growing recognition of well-being as a fundamental policy priority within the EU. Various initiatives, strategies, and funding opportunities are now explicitly addressing well-being, reinforcing its importance. For instance, the 2024 Erasmus+ Programme Guide places a far greater emphasis on well-being than its 2023 counterpart, particularly in education and social innovation. [1]

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The EU’s Vision for Sustainable and Inclusive Well-being

At a broader level, there is a policy shift towards systemic, transformational change - an approach that is essential for tackling climate emergencies, public health challenges, and social inequalities. At the same time, this transformation is key to preserving Europe’s competitiveness and core values in an increasingly complex global landscape. [2] And well-being stands at the core of this transformational shift, serving as both a guiding principle and a measurable outcome of systemic change.

The report, "A European Agenda to Navigate Uncertain Times – How to Steer the EU Towards Well-being for All, Now and in the Future", co-written by the consortium coordinators and policy leads of four Horizon Europe research and innovation projects, reinforces this perspective, emphasizing the need for policies that ensure current and future well-being while addressing well-being inequalities. By placing well-being at the heart of policymaking, the EU can drive meaningful societal transformation, balancing prosperity with sustainability for generations to come.

The report highlights the need for Societal Transformations for Sustainable and Inclusive Well-being – a framework that outlines five key societal transformations that guide policy development. These include two thematic transformations directly linked to sustainable and inclusive well-being, complemented by three enabling transformations that support systemic change through finance, research and innovation, and governance. The visual representation below illustrates how these five Societal Transformation fields intersect with the 13 key Policy Areas: , highlighting the interconnected nature of transformative action and the necessity of a coherent policy approach.

Beyond GDP: Measuring Well-being for a Sustainable Future

As emphasized in the report, to make well-being a tangible policy objective, the EU must establish a strong technical, scientific, and political framework to track societal progress, define clear targets, and implement effective policies. This requires measurable indicators and advanced tools for assessment.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP), traditionally used as a key economic indicator, measures the total monetary value of goods and services produced within a country over a specific period. While it provides insight into economic activity, GDP does not account for crucial factors such as environmental sustainability, social equity, or overall quality of life.

Given these well-documented limitations of GDP as a measure of societal progress, alternative frameworks are emerging. [3]

One promising approach, highlighted in the report, is the WISE Triangle:

The WISE Triangle presents “Beyond-GDP” indicators structured around three key dimensions: Well-being, Inclusion, and Sustainability. This framework offers a comprehensive view of societal progress, moving beyond traditional economic measures to capture the broader factors that contribute to a thriving society (For a detailed exploration of the specific indicators and metrics, please visit the website, where you can interact with the triangle and gain deeper insights into its components).

Looking Ahead: The Future of Well-being Research and Action

As the EU deepens its commitment to sustainable and inclusive well-being, the challenge now lies in translating policy ambitions into tangible, impactful action. The growing recognition of well-being as a central pillar of transformational change must be matched by effective implementation, cross-sector collaboration, and continuous innovation. Future efforts should focus on strengthening well-being measurement frameworks, integrating holistic well-being principles across policy areas, and expanding education and capacity-building initiatives like SWEPPP to empower individuals and communities. By embedding well-being, inclusion, and sustainability at the heart of decision-making, the EU can foster resilience, reduce inequalities, and create a future where both people and the planet can thrive.

Author: Ela Kurtcu, EMG

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Sources:

[1] Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2024

[2] The future of European competitiveness – Part A: A competitiveness strategy for Europe (September 2024)

[3] A European Agenda to Navigate Uncertain Times – How to Steer the EU Towards Well-being for All, Now and in the Future (2024)

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Image-1 Source: A European Agenda to Navigate Uncertain Times – How to Steer the EU Towards Well-being for All, Now and in the Future (2024)

Image-2 Source: WISE Metrics

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Publication Date: 12.03.2025

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