What is Next for EU Health Policy?

The European Union (EU) is entering a crucial period for health policy. The 2024-2029 term will shape how the EU responds to ongoing and new health challenges. Aging populations, rising chronic diseases, and mental health concerns are straining healthcare systems while advancements in medical research, digital health, and pharmaceutical innovation are accelerating. At the same time, the lingering effects of past crises, particularly COVID-19, have exposed both strengths and weaknesses in EU health systems—highlighting gaps in preparedness, medicine shortages, and workforce limitations. While coordination between EU institutions and national governments played a key role in crisis response, it also underscored the limits of subsidiarity in health policy.

Moving forward, EU policies must be proactive rather than reactive. Strengthening crisis preparedness, workforce planning, and regulatory flexibility is essential, but this must be balanced with avoiding unnecessary burdens on innovation. Resources are limited, yet investment in infrastructure and healthcare personnel is necessary. Health policy cannot be addressed in isolation—it is deeply linked to economic resilience and technological progress. Medical breakthroughs and AI-driven diagnostics offer potential cost savings and better patient outcomes, but they require stable investment environments, clear regulations, and strong public-private collaboration.

A resilient healthcare system also supports economic growth by improving workforce productivity, lowering long-term costs, and strengthening Europe’s position in global healthcare innovation. This paper examines key challenges and opportunities, focusing on systemic health issues, regulatory frameworks, and resilience. The goal is to outline practical, balanced solutions that support public health while supporting European industries to remain competitive.

See the full report here: What is Next for EU Health Policy?