The Commission today adopted a communication on the European Health Union, which highlights the progress made in EU health policy over the last four years to the benefit of EU citizens and around the world.
The beginning of this mandate was marked by the largest pandemic in the last hundred years, which caused human suffering on a global scale and put public health systems to the test. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the results that solidarity, collaboration And resolute action of the EU make it possible to achieve. Thanks to the EU vaccine strategy, all citizens of the Union have had access to life-saving COVID-19 vaccines at the same time and under the same conditions. This helped stem the spread of the virus and saved millions of lives. The EU digital COVID certificate allowed safe reopenings for the benefit of the economy and society, while SURE has helped over 31 million workers to overcome the economic impact of the pandemic. Just as pandemics know no borders, our cooperation and solidarity have also spread across the world. As part of our Team Europe approach, the EU has become the largest vaccine donor through the COVAX program and has provided emergency support to partner countries amounting to approximately €54 billion.
In the midst of the pandemic, the European Health Union therefore proved to be a necessity in order to safeguard the resilience of the EU and contribute to the social well-being, strategic autonomy and geopolitical stability of Europe. It built on the experience of the COVID-19 crisis and responded to citizens’ calls for a greater EU presence in the public health sector. The vision of the Health Union, presented in November 2020, is to ensure that Member States are better prepared to respond together to future health criseswhile supporting modern and innovative health policies for all EU citizens. Thanks to substantial funding arising from the “EU for Health” programthe objectives of the European Health Union have quickly transformed into tangible results.
While new actions are being prepared, the European Health Union has so far achieved the following goals:
- More incisive health security measures to better respond to future crises
Today, the EU is better equipped to prevent, prepare for and respond to major health threats, thanks to a stronger legal framework for health security cooperation, the strengthening of EU health agencies and to the creation of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA).
- Fair and timely access to affordable medicines for all citizens
The proposed EU pharmaceutical reform will give an additional 70 million EU citizens access to new medicines, while maintaining the competitiveness of the European pharmaceutical sector. The reform focuses on the needs of EU citizens to ensure that everyone has access to the medicines they need, when they need them, wherever they live and regardless of their disease. The reform will also improve the availability of critical medicines by establishing a series of measures to address shortages.
- A cutting-edge, world-class cancer plan
As part of the European plan to fight cancer, a series of significant actions have been launched to tackle the disease in all its phases, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment, up to post-illness care. Supported by €4 billion in EU funding, the plan is already making a difference to the lives of cancer patients across Europe.
- Breakthrough initiatives to digitize healthcare
Thanks to the innovative European Health Data Space (EHDS), citizens will have access to better healthcare everywhere in the EU. In full compliance with EU data protection rules, the European Health Data Area fully exploits the potential of the digital transition and will also enable better use of data for research and the development of life-changing medicines .
- Global action for better mental health
The EU’s comprehensive approach to mental health recognizes that our mental health is as important as physical health and affects people from all backgrounds. These are wide-ranging actions supported by over €1.2 billion to promote mental wellbeing, improve prevention and support services and eliminate stigma in this important area.
- Rules to strengthen patient safety and ensure the supply of medicines
Donors and recipients of substances of human origin, such as blood and cells, will benefit from greater protection under the revised EU rules. Measures to prevent any disruption to the supply of critical medicines and medical devices ensure that citizens can continue to rely on safe and effective medicines, treatments and therapies.
- A “One Health” approach to address major health risks
Having recognized the link between human, animal and environmental health, Europe is in a better position to develop stronger policies to address major health challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance and the health impacts of climate change.
For more information
Factsheet on a strong European Union of Health for All
Factsheet on the European plan to fight cancer
Pharmaceutical Package Fact Sheet – Patients
Factsheet on a comprehensive approach to mental health
Factsheet on the European Health Data Space
Factsheet on European Union actions to ensure better health
Information sheet on HERA
Web page
Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
Over the last 5 years the way we work and cooperate in the health sector has changed radically. The unity and solidarity that emerged in the face of the most difficult health crisis of modern times led to the creation of a strong European Health Union. All its pillars and actions have a single purpose: to put citizens and patients at the center, protect their health and change their lives. Our citizens legitimately expected more to be done in the healthcare sector and we are responding to these expectations. We have turned our vision into reality and will continue to develop the Health Union for our citizens in the coming years.
Margaritis Schinas, Vice President for Promotion of the European Lifestyle
During the Von der Leyen Commission, the EU joined forces to provide a comprehensive and effective response to the greatest health threat of the last hundred years: the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on the solidarity and determination demonstrated during the crisis, the EU has in parallel built a strong and resilient European Health Union for all its citizens. Our Health Union will continue to promote European innovation and competitiveness in the healthcare sector, so that patients’ needs are fully met. The EU will also continue to be a strong global partner that will help improve the health of people around the world.
