Loneliness is not just a private and individual issue. It may impede social cohesion and should be regarded as a social problem and addressed as such.

Loneliness, the feeling of lacking meaningful social interactions, has been identified as a serious public health concern and linked to a number of factors, including poor health and low social connectedness. The increased risk of loneliness associated with prolonged lockdowns and self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn even more attention to the issue, with media reports outlining an “epidemic of loneliness”. Loneliness is not just a private and individual issue. Loneliness may impede social cohesion and should be regarded as a social problem and addressed as such.

Today, the European Commission hosts a high-level conference to present and discuss the findings of the first EU-wide loneliness survey. The conference also marks the conclusion of the European Parliament Pilot Project on Loneliness conducted by the JRC in partnership with the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.

This conference and the findings are particularly timely, as the Commission is presenting its Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health this week. With 20 flagship initiatives and funding opportunities worth €1.25 billion, the comprehensive approach to mental health puts mental health on par with physical health. Among other actions, it will help raise awareness of the need to address loneliness and isolation to promote good mental health.