Mental health has become a central priority across public health agendas in Europe, shaped by rapid technological, environmental and societal changes. These transformations are increasingly affecting people’s ability to cope, maintain well-being and navigate everyday life.
In this context, the European Public Health Week (EUPHW) 2026 provides a key platform to reflect on current challenges and explore solutions that go beyond traditional healthcare systems, placing prevention, communities and cross-sectoral collaboration at the centre.
Event overview
On 6 May 2026, as part of European Public Health Week 2026 (Day 3: Mental Health), the HORUS project will be represented by Prof. Vanja Vasiljev as an invited speaker.
The session, titled:
“Mental health at the crossroads: investing across public health, primary health care and communities”
will explore how mental health can be better addressed through integrated approaches that connect public health strategies, primary care systems and community-level action.
During the session, Prof. Vanja Vasiljev will introduce the HORUS project and its approach to promoting healthier and more equitable urban environments.
HORUS explores how the built environment, mobility, social context and community-level factors influence both physical and mental health, particularly among vulnerable populations. Through its pilot cities, the project generates evidence on how urban design and behaviour change strategies can support healthier lifestyles and improved well-being.
This perspective contributes to ongoing discussions on how to bridge the gap between population-level public health strategies and individual-level care, reinforcing the importance of community-based and environment-driven approaches.
Link to the event: https://eupha.org/euphw/euphw2026/euphw-daily-theme-day-3-mental-health/