The European Health Union was established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the goal of ensuring that all citizens have equal access to safe and effective vaccines. This principle has been at the core of the European Health Union since 2020, and it emphasizes the fundamental right to access quality health care.
The pandemic highlighted the importance of European countries collaborating in safeguarding public health, and building on this experience, the European Commission has been working towards strengthening the European Health Union. This includes enacting new rules for handling cross-border health threats, establishing the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, reinforcing the European Medicines Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and reforming pharmaceutical legislation for timely and affordable access to medicines.
In addition to these initiatives, the EU has also introduced several programs aimed at improving public health across Europe. The introduction of the European Health Data Space demonstrates a commitment to breaking down barriers and making it easier for healthcare providers to share data and collaborate on patient care. Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan is another initiative that highlights how important it is to address cancer as a major public health challenge in Europe. And efforts are underway to break down stigma associated with mental health challenges.
The EU’s Global Health Strategy is an example of how far-reaching its impact can be beyond its borders, by allocating €4.4 billion by 2027 to promote better health globally. Ensuring good public health is essential for robust economies and societies worldwide, which is why these initiatives are crucial for global wellbeing. For more information on these initiatives, resources are available online which provide detailed insights into these policies.
