Loneliness is often referred to as the “21st century epidemic”. MEP Evelyn Regner (S&D) is co-initiator of the Loneliness Project of the EU Commission and the EU Parliament, which aims to develop a better understanding of loneliness and effective strategies against it. In 2022, for the first time, a comprehensive EU-wide survey involving around 30,000 respondents was conducted as part of the project. More than a third of respondents said they were lonely at least sometimes, 13% felt lonely most of the time. MEP Evelyn Regner emphasized that loneliness is not an individual failure, but a social problem. The trade union movement is characterized by solidarity and community. It is the task of politics to develop a strategy to counter isolation and promote social cohesion. 

Work-related psychosocial risks 

AK President Renate Anderl addressed psychosocial risks in the workplace. Faster, higher, further and more, often seems to be the motto. In Austria, around 60% of workers  face at least one mental health risk – such as time pressure or work overload, dealing with difficult people, poor communication or cooperation, but also violence or bullying. The result: Many workers are no longer able to withstand the pressure. The number of sick leave days due to mental illness has increased more than fivefold in Austria since the mid-1990s; and almost 45% of disability pensions are due to mental health reasons. Suffering for those affected and their families, but also high costs for businesses and the economy and negative effects on the EU´s competitiveness are the consequence. There is therefore an urgent need for regulation on better prevention and the recognition of burnout as an occupational disease.

From problem analysis to solutions

Sonia Nawrocka (ETUI) stated that a work-related psychosocial risk is defined as the likelihood that unfavourable work conditions in the form of psychosocial hazards – resulting from the way in which work is organised and managed – will negatively impact workers’ health and wellbeing. This can lead to serious psychological problems such as chronic stress, burnout, depression and anxiety, but also to physical diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Human suffering and economic costs in the billions are the result. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) therefore calls for an EU directive on the prevention of work-related psychosocial risks.

Hans Rocha IJzerman (LONELY-EU) addressed the Loneliness project. He pointed out that loneliness refers to subjective perception, an unpleasant and stressful experience, as opposed to the objective state of social isolation. Anyone can be affected by loneliness, regardless of age and origin. When people feel they have no contact with others, their ability to engage with others decreases; which affects both personal and collective well-being. Social media can have a negative impact as it creates a sense of isolation; the individual feels more and more disconnected and lonely despite apparent connection. LONELY-EU brings together experts from academia and politics to share knowledge and develop and support evidence-based strategies at all levels, from local to EU level.

Social spaces and neighbourhood projects

Katrina Pfundt (Arbeiterwohlfahrt) reported that Arbeiterwohlfahrt is present in many places in Germany offering social space work and neighbourhood projects to promote participation and improve people's quality of life. In particular, she pointed to the loneliness risk of people doing care work. Young women, young families, single mothers, families with a migrant background and family caregivers are particularly affected. Recent research also shows an increase in the proportion of lonely children and adolescents since the coronavirus pandemic. Politics must counteract loneliness, not least for the sake of democracy. Studies show that anti-democratic forces are gaining traction especially in regions characterised by medium-rurality and economically weak neighbourhoods; the loss of social spaces exacerbates division and mistrust.

Further information:

MEP Evelyn Regner: Einsamkeit betrifft uns alle (German only)
JRC: Loneliness in Europe
EU-OSHA: Psychosocial risks and mental health at work
ETUC: Resolution on specific demands for a European Directive on the prevention of psychosocial risks at work
ETUI: Benchmarking Working Europe 2025, Chapter IV
AWO: Aktiv im Quartier (German only)