LINDA. , the Netherlands’ leading women’s magazine, dedicated its landmark 250th edition to the theme of loneliness. Loneliness is often seen as a personal issue, but it’s actually a widespread societal challenge that affects not just individuals, but society in general.
For this special edition, Lonely-EU’s Policy Expert Judith Merkies was interviewed by Els Quaegebeur to discuss the growing challenge of loneliness. Judith emphasized that loneliness doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. The edition also features Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, who shares her own reflections on loneliness and highlights the efforts of the Oranje Fonds in addressing it.
Judith also explains the mission of the Lonely-EU project and its role in addressing loneliness across Europe. As the project’s Policy Expert, she is responsible for ensuring that European policymakers are equipped with evidence-based recommendations that can truly make a difference. Lonely-EU, funded by the Horizon Europe programme, aims to turn research into real, lasting impact.
The article in LINDA is in Dutch and available behind a paywall. If you’re in the Netherlands, you can grab a copy at bookstores or any other place that sells newspapers and magazines.
