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The European Council recently approved conclusions on the future of the European Health Union and called on the European Commission to make health a top priority during its five-year mandate. In an article, Minister Vandenbroucke urges Europe to intervene “to avoid the collapse of certain parts of our national health systems. Not by replacing national policies, but by creating a 'supportive environment'.”
The Council's conclusions highlight the many challenges facing EU health systems. These challenges include a shortage of health workers, difficulties in providing medicines and medical devices, and increased care needs due to the aging population. Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health Frank Vandenbroucke clearly indicated that “European health systems will face a difficult ten years, with the growing needs of the elderly population, the increase in chronic diseases, the shortage of medicines and medical devices, and the retirement of the elderly.” Healthcare workers draining our resources The climate crisis and the rise of artificial intelligence further complicate the situation.
Measures to respond to current challenges
To address the staff shortage, the Council encourages Member States and the Commission to invest in the training and recruitment of health professionals, adopt digital tools and strengthen cooperation and knowledge sharing at the EU health level. With regard to medicine supplies, the Council recommends continued efforts to alleviate shortages, in particular through the Alliance for Critical Medicines, and suggests consideration of specific legislation to secure supply chains.
Meeting priority health needs
The Council stresses the importance of taking into account priority health care needs. To do this, it is proposed to create an independent database that identifies unmet needs. A voluntary mechanism could be established, led by Member States, to assess and prioritize these needs, with coordination at EU level to meet the most urgent needs.
Disease prevention
Preventing non-communicable diseases, which are responsible for nearly 90% of deaths in the European Union, is another priority area for action. The Council calls on Member States and the Commission to promote healthy lifestyles and adopt the proposals of the European Plan to Combat Cancer. It also emphasizes the importance of infectious disease preparedness, keeping cross-border threats a priority, combating misinformation, and improving the security of medical supplies.
Context and future outlook
Since the communication from the European Commission in November 2020, the establishment of the European Health Union aims to strengthen cooperation between Member States on health issues. Goals include a collective response to health crises, the availability of innovative and affordable medical supplies, and improved prevention and treatment of diseases such as cancer.
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