The European Commission today highlighted the progress made in EU health policy over the past four years.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic showed that EU unity, cooperation and decisive action are the way forward. The EU vaccine strategy will ensure equal access to vaccines for all EU citizens, the EU Digital Coronavirus Certificate will enable the safe resumption of economic and social activity, and SURE will ensure that 31 million workers are fully protected from the pandemic. helped them overcome the economic impact of Through our Team Europe approach, the EU has become the largest vaccine donor, providing nearly €54 billion in emergency support to partner countries.
Building on the experience of the COVID-19 crisis, the European Health Union was born in November 2020 with the key objective of protecting health and changing lives, putting people and patients at the center.
Main achievements:
Stronger health security measures to better prepare for and respond to future crises Equal and timely access to affordable medicines for all citizens thanks to proposed reforms to EU medicines law A world-leading cancer plan backed by €4 billion in EU funding Innovative initiatives Digitalizing healthcare Comprehensive action to improve mental health, from promoting mental health to improving prevention and support services Rules to increase patient safety and secure the supply of medicines A One Health approach to address major health risks
The European Health Union enables Member States to better prepare for future health crises and supports modern and innovative health policies for all citizens across the EU. This is supported by significant funding from the EU4Health program.
The European Health Union will continue to promote European innovation and competitiveness in healthcare to better meet patients' needs. The EU will remain a strong global partner and contribute to improving health for people around the world.
For more information
European Health Union
Press release: European Health Union: stronger and better prepared for the future
Factsheet on a strong European health union for all
Fact sheet on the European Plan to Beat Cancer
Pharmaceuticals – Patient Fact Sheet
Fact sheet on a comprehensive approach to mental health
Factsheet on European Health Data Space
Fact sheet on European Union action to ensure better health
Fact sheet about HERA
