EuropeActive’s Post

All countries are facing huge challenges in the health sector but also great opportunities, if we can secure access to new, innovative and better medicine and treatment. At the same time, life science is a cornerstone of the Irish and Danish economies and although we are two relatively small countries, we are global front runners in this sector. Ireland is the world’s third largest exporter of pharmaceuticals (more than 110 billion Euros a year) and the pharmaceutical industry is by far Denmark’s most productive sector and is among the best performing in Europe. A new Danish life science strategy was published last year based on a public-private partnership. During the elaboration of the strategy we have benefitted very much from the Irish know-how and experience. Its our hope that Ireland also can benefit from our strategy. Thanks to Marie Kirkebæk, Danish Ministry of Business, Industry and Financial Affairs and Edward James-Smith for your active participation in the dialogue on the Danish Strategy for Life Science. We could not have done it without you!

The message of Tomas Petricek at the at the Policy & Values conference organized by the “Europe, a Patient” think tank is clear: as we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, the EU must prioritize empowering its people to build resilience against emerging threats. However, to truly safeguard our future, it’s clear we need to address two critical gaps: 1️⃣ Institutional and Infrastructure Readiness: We lack the capabilities to effectively respond to new threats, both in terms of our systems and infrastructure. 2️⃣ Strategic Consensus: A fragmented understanding of what constitutes a threat limits our collective ability to defend ourselves. Without a unified vision, even the strongest initiatives may falter. A resilient population—one that thrives in the face of adversity—requires greater degree of cooperation, particularly in health policy. This includes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to addressing challenges like addictions and mental health, areas that remain under-addressed at the European level. The good news? The opportunities are already on the table. Initiatives like the EU’s mental health strategy and cardiovascular programs provide a strong foundation to advance health resilience across the Union. We have good best practices in the Member States, including the Czech Republic. Let’s learn from each other! It's time for the EU to take bold steps toward a more unified, healthier, and prepared Europe. Let's invest in the institutions, policies, and strategies that empower people—and secure our collective future.

The new European Commission will start work on 1 December now following final approval from the European Parliament today. Industry association, COCIR, summarizes below the political guidelines in health for the new commission as well as its own priority actions. #medtech #EUMDR #EUIVDR

⏳ The wait is almost over! 🇪🇺 The European Parliament will vote on the new European Commission today. 📜 The Political Guidelines for the next Commission include: ❇️a European action plan on the cybersecurity of hospitals and healthcare providers - Read our joint position with MedTech Europe https://lnkd.in/eZwHTPwT ❇️Stepping up work on preventive health, in particular for mental health and cardiovascular diseases ❇️ Putting research and innovation at the heart of our economy ❇️ Completing the European Health Union with diversified supply chains, access to the most advanced treatments, more resilient health systems and strategic inventories ❇️ Making our economy more resilient and less dependent https://lnkd.in/eZhTcXRr ✍️Here our own Priority Actions on Healthcare: 1️⃣Keep the EU attractive to innovation 2️⃣Support a fit-for-purpose legal and policy environment 3️⃣Recognise the medical technology sector as critical for healthy populations 4️⃣Support the competitiveness of the medical technology sector 5️⃣Lead action against noncommunicable diseases 🇮🇪 🇫🇷 🇩🇪 🇳🇱 🇧🇪 🇪🇸 🇵🇹 🇮🇹 🇫🇮 🇭🇺 🇵🇱 Available in English French German Dutch Spanish Portuguese Italian Finnish Hungarian Polish https://lnkd.in/ei3EjMAV

🇭🇺 Hungary is gearing up to lead the 🇪🇺 Council Presidency from July 1st under the controversial motto "Make Europe Great Again", which may sound familiar to some. The presidency also introduced the Rubik’s cube as its symbol, embodying "the essence of Hungarian genius". Following Spain and Belgium, as the last EU Member State that assumes chairmanship for a six-month term within the Trio, Hungary will have to ensure the continuity of work in the Council, in cooperation with a newly established European Parliament and European Commission. With significant challenges ahead—conflicts, security threats, migration issues, and climate impacts—the Hungarian Presidency aims to prioritize crucial EU policies and initiatives. 🩺 In the health sector, Hungary has outlined certain priorities for its upcoming EU presidency, focusing on health issues with a strategic approach rather than just legislative measures. 🟢Cardiovascular health is a key concern due to its significant impact on mortality in the EU, with Hungary planning to present a concept paper and draft an action plan at an upcoming conference. 🟢Organ transplantation is also a major focus, aiming to revitalize previous action plans. 🟢Mental health, particularly in light of recent global crises, will be addressed via awareness campaigns and Council Conclusions. Hungarian authorities will facilitate discussions on unresolved issues, such as the EU pharmaceutical package, the Pandemic treaty, and the European Health Data Space, striving to achieve further progress by 2025. Occupational health and safety will also receive attention, reflecting the country's comprehensive agenda during its presidency. Hungary's upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU has sparked concerns among European politicians due to Budapest's spat with the rule of law and democracy, close ties with Moscow, as well as previous clashes and colliding views with Brussels over some EU policies. Some experts also fear that Hungary may prioritize its national interests over EU unity and neutrality during its presidency, potentially impacting crucial policy decisions and legislative progress within the EU. The time will show how the promises and plans are converted into tangible results. 🔗 The full program is available here: https://lnkd.in/eWj3yhh2 #HU2024EU #EUCouncilPresidency #Healthcare #Hungary

Glad to take part in the 44th Congress of the Association Internationale des Maires Francophones in Lausanne today to meet francophone mayors from + 40 countries and hear about their experiences. Congratulations to Frederic Vallier for his appointment as new Permanent Secretary (starting on 1st June) and Kudos to Pierre BAILLET for bringing Association Internationale des Maires Francophones where it is now. Interesting debates focused on decentralized cooperation (i.e. international development cooperation carried out by local or regional governments) which has become a crucial tool to deliver #SDGs at local level. Great to hear about concrete examples of decentralized cooperation which is one the most effective vehicles to localize #SDGs and which has been increasing significantly in the last decade, because: - local and regional governments have emerged as important players on the international scene. - financial flows go directly where they are most needed and most impactful, i.e. at the local level - these partnerships often go beyond simple financial transfers and include in-kind contributions such as peer-to-peer learning and capacity-building. They are also based on a more horizontal (instead of top-down/donor-recipient) and inclusive territorial approach towards many relevant stakeholders. Thanks to Association Internationale des Maires Francophones and Ville de Lausanne for gathering us! #AIMFLausanne2024

An upcoming meeting 2-4 December will bring together executive officers from the Health and Environment sectors across the WHO European region to discuss governance, human and financial capacity, and communication strategies aimed at accelerating the environment and health agenda. This meeting is a key milestone following the Budapest Declaration signed in July 2023 at the 7th Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health. #EHGovernance #ECEHBonn #7MCEH WHO Regional Office for Europe

SMA Europe have released the findings of their research into the top priorities for research in SMA 📣 SMA Europe's research activities are fuelled by the voices of our community: people living with SMA, their families, carers and healthcare professionals. Find out more and see the top 10 priorities here: bit.ly/3Yc7eUP

Key issues were raised at this week's DAAD Conference round table on strengthening synergies for global health initiatives in Germany. A few important takeaways: 🌍 There is a need for more EU countries to take on global health responsibilities, while reinforcing Germany's ongoing commitment to these efforts. 🤝 Positive examples of global health initiatives backed by both the BMBF and BMZ were discussed, underscoring the need for further collaborative efforts. ❗ Bureaucratic barriers continue to hinder collaboration with international research partners. Thanks to the chairs and speakers for the exciting and essential discussion! Achim Hoerauf (G-WAC, The University of Bonn), Wolfram Morgenroth-Klein (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)), Andrea Spelberg (Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany), Ayola Akim Adegnika (CERMEL, University of Tübingen) & Andrew Ullmann (FDP, Deutscher Bundestag). Excellent organization by the DAAD German Academic Exchange Service Global Centres team! #globalhealth #synergies #collaboration #DAAD #enablers #barriers #research

📢 “Solidarity, equity and participation are fundamental to achieving resilient and sustainable health systems, economies of well-being and, above all, in leaving no one behind.” - WHO Regional Director Hans Kluge   WHO's second European Health Equity Status Report gets underway today in Venice, Italy.   Five years after the release of the first report in 2019, the second report—to be released in October 2025—will tell the story of how recent shocks and the prevailing social, economic, and environmental trends have impacted the security of goods and conditions which are essential to living a healthy life.   Today, people want to thrive not just to survive. They want to live in healthy and safe communities, and they expect public policies to deliver a better life for themselves and for future generations. This means ensuring that no one is left behind because of social and economic insecurities, unequal exposure to environmental risks and their consequences or discriminatory practices and lack of trust in political processes and authorities.   🌍 Fifteen international experts in health equity and social determinants and senior health representatives from 12 European countries will continue to work on providing data-driven insights to support policy actions that address health inequities.   Led by the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development (Venice, Italy), the second European Health Equity Status Report (HESRi2) represents a significant milestone in the shared mission to build a healthier, more equitable Europe.