Despite ambitions for a strong European Health Union, health remains a low priority in the EU Strategic Agenda
At the EU Summit, political leaders reached a consensus for Europe’s future adopting a new Strategic Agenda 2024-2029. However, where does health stand?
Health must be kept as a priority for the incoming European Commission, as stated by the conclusions of the Council of EU health ministers. EuroHealthNet welcomes the Council's ambitions to strengthen the European Health Union (EHU), with clear commitments to public health, health promotion, and disease prevention.
The EU’s new Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 outlines measures to protect Europe against different crises, including health emergencies, but fails to take into consideration the requests to advance a broader EHU.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant health crisis, since they account for almost 90% of all deaths in the EU. It is imperative that the Health Council’s conclusions are considered by the new Commission. These conclusions focus on crucial areas such as mental health, healthy environments, tackling the effects of climate change on health, and enabling healthier lifestyle choices through the adoption of the legislative proposals for alcohol, tobacco, and food as part of the ‘Europe’s Beating Cancer’ plan.
“It’s crucial for the future of Europe to maintain a strong focus on health for all. Establishing a European Health Union was a positive step towards a prosperous and cohesive Europe. But now we need to make it stronger. We must prioritise preventive measures, including legislative action, and ensure health equity is at the forefront of our efforts. We cannot afford to overlook these critical aspects if we are to build a resilient and healthy Europe.”
Caroline Costongs,
Director at EuroHealthNet
The EU needs to explicitly include health as a priority in its Strategic Agenda. But how?
Comprehensive, preventive approaches to health are essential to foster societies that are resilient and sustainable. We need policy action that goes beyond healthcare to address the socio-economic (such as education, employment, income, and living conditions) and commercial determinants (such as achieving a tobacco-free Europe and limiting the marketing of ultra-processed food to children).
An economy that invests in preventive measures and has robust and inclusive health and social systems is essential for good health. ‘Advancing together,’ as proposed in the new EU Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, can only be done through a Wellbeing Economy where investments in health, social equity, and environmental sustainability work hand in hand and are essential for a healthier, more equitable, and more inclusive Europe.
Related resources
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