EU Health Priorities
The Observatory is supporting the European Commission (DG SANTE) by launching a public debate on the future health priorities of the EU at this year’s European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) conference in September 2023. The aim of this debate was to inform the mission of the next Commissioner of health ahead of the upcoming European elections and the appointment of a new Commission in June 2024.
To this end, the public debate will 1) raise awareness about the main accomplishments and potential opportunities for EU action in the field of health; 2) explore a (non-exhaustive) selection of key health topics to gauge public sentiment; 3) gather ideas, perspectives, arguments, expectations, and experiences from the public; 4) disseminate the outcomes of the debate through a series of easily accessible publications.
Ahead of the first event, the Observatory has prepared nine briefing papers on topical areas. The briefing papers aim to frame the discussion and provide some background information to empower stakeholders and citizens engaging in the public debate. The nine briefing papers are available for download below and focus on:
- enhancing health security;
- addressing the determinants of health through Health in All Policies and Health for All Policies;
- supporting health system transformation;
- enhancing the labour market for health and care workers;
- achieving universal health coverage;
- implementing digital solutions and AI;
- improving the performance and resilience of health systems;
- addressing challenges, such as population ageing, migration or climate change; and
- strengthening the EU's global voice and leadership.
In 2024, the Observatory has organised a series of webinars and a stakeholder survey to advance the debate on the future health priorities of the EU.
Related items
Related publications
A public debate on the future health priorities of the European Union: Outcomes, insights and ideas for...
Key messagesParticipants across the board recognise the role of the Commission and of DG SANTE in health and see the new European Parliament and Commission...
Achieving universal health coverage
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a paramount concern for policy-makers across the European Union (EU). UHC encompasses three dimensions: population...
Supporting health system transformation
Transformation is a complex yet critical process to meet new challenges and rising demands in health systems. Across the European Union, countries...
Improving the performance and resilience of health systems
High-performing and resilient health systems are essential to the health and wellbeing of countries in Europe, as well as for health security, as...
Implementing digital solutions and AI
Digital health describes a diverse range of technologies employed to promote and improve health, including eHealth, mHealth, big data and cutting-edge...
Many of the determinants of health lie outside the health care system, from sanitation and food systems to built environments and education. Many...
Enhancing the labour market for health and care workers
Europe is facing a health workforce crisis. Health worker shortages, medical deserts, attrition and skill-gaps are reported by many Member States....
The European Union (EU) does not only manage sudden crises, such as COVID-19 or the Russian invasion of Ukraine; it also responds to long-term changes...
Strengthening the EU’s global voice and leadership
One of the key objectives of the European Union has long been to have a strong voice in global affairs. Health, a priority in European politics, is...
Enhancing health security
Health security refers to the activities and measures taken at the global, national, regional and local levels to ensure the protection of people’s...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign Up