10.P. Scientific session: Governing complexity in public health: evidence, policy & politics and systemic action across Europe

Public health systems face increasing complexity-driven by competing, fast-paced, and intersecting environmental, social, and political challenges. Addressing the emerging challenges requires governance approaches that embrace systemic thinking, manage policy trade-offs, and prioritise long-term health equity. This workshop brings together five research-based contributions that illustrate how policies and governance mechanisms operate in different public health domains-from climate change and industrial pollution to poverty, unemployment, and physical inactivity. The workshop's objective is to enhance understanding of how institutional structures, indicators, and evaluation frameworks can support public health professionals and policymakers in navigating difficult decisions and fragmented policy landscapes. The session will explore topics including governance platforms, welfare regimes, multidimensional poverty responses, and the role of evidence in national and international policy evaluation. Janssen will present an analysis of how a Dutch governance platform facilitated agreements across institutional levels to address health risks from industrial emissions, identifying mechanisms that mediate short- and long-term trade-offs. Kopasper will share findings from panel data collected from seven countries, demonstrating how welfare spending modifies the health and wellbeing effects of unemployment, with policy implications for labour market protection. Chen, representing the Lancet Countdown Europe, will discuss the integration of climate-health indicators into European policy frameworks and the role of public health professionals in advancing climate resilience. Champagne will interpret how Scotland's policy landscape responds to food and fuel insecurity, highlighting the tension between structural poverty, charitable responses, and the role of the health sector. Finally, Messing will critically assess the use of physical activity policy evaluation tools and propose avenues to better align national and international evaluation efforts. This session will begin with brief presentations, followed by an interactive moderated discussion to explore shared lessons learned, tensions, and possibilities for strengthening policy-relevant public health governance. The workshop is organised by EUPHA's PHPP section and aims to foster transdisciplinary reflection and practical strategies for systems-informed policymaking. Key messages • Institutional structures and indicators play a critical role in shaping public health responses to complex, multisectoral challenges. • Cross-country insights can help public health professionals and policymakers design more equitable and resilient systems in the face of current and future crises.