EU4HEALTH: the first step towards a healthier European Union

Europe, in its commitment to promote the well-being of the entire population, has approved this programme with a budget of €5.1 billion that will prepare health systems for future threats and pandemics.

The new EU4Health programme for the period 2021-2027 will complement Member States’ policies in the health sector. It will strengthen health systems by boosting coordination among countries and data sharing. It will also facilitate access to medicines and medical devices, making them more affordable.

What are the challenges facing EU4Health and what health threats does it face?

EU4Health will dedicate €5.1 billion to strengthen health systems and to tackle cross-border health threats, aiming not only to eradicate future pandemics, but also to address other current problems, such as ageing populations or health inequalities.

Another challenge faced by the development of the European Health Union is accelerating the fight against cancer, not only through this programme but also through Horizon Europe, which has a mission dedicated to this issue. EU4Health will also support the facilitation of access to quality health care, including access to sexual and reproductive health care, and improving mental health.

E-health is another key issue, as well as the digitisation of the sector, to drive the creation of a European “health data space.”

Next steps in the health area

First, the European Council must approve the programme. The first work programme for 2021 will be launched after the formal adoption of EU4Health. Once the regulation has been approved by the Council, it will enter into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The regulation will apply retroactively from 1 January 2021.

Sources: European Parliament and European Commission