The European Union is committing €225 million to speed up the development of next-generation flu vaccines that will offer protection across a wider range of influenza variants and quickly adapted if a pandemic strain emerges. It marks the first time the Commission will be using pre-commercial procurement to advance products through clinical trials, ensuring they […]
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Parliament calls for the EU to continue taking action to combat cancer
Need for a specific EU health programme in the next long-term EU budget Improving access to treatment for cancer patients across Europe Reducing financial discrimination for cancer survivors In 2024, 2.7 million people were diagnosed with cancer in the EU and 1.27 million died from the disease. MEPs want the EU to renew its political […]
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Commission marks five years of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan
Ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February, the European Commission has unveiled an update of the European Code Against Cancer. The revised Code sets out practical ways to help prevent the disease and is the result of four years of work by over 60 European public health experts. The guidance is based on scientific evidence […]
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EU allocates €63 million in response to the crisis in Myanmar and its impact on neighbouring countries
The European Commission has allocated €63 million in humanitarian aid to help populations affected by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, as well as to support Rohingya refugees living in neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh. This funding, announced as the conflict triggered by the military coup in Myanmar enters its fifth year, is part of the EU’s […]
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Improving Europe’s responsiveness: preparing the European Critical Communication System
From terrorist attacks, border incidents and large-scale accidents to floods and fires: responding to cross-border emergencies requires agile and fluid teamwork and reliable communication. The European Union Critical Communications System (EUCCS) is a key initiative for achieving a safer and better-connected Europe in emergency situations. It will integrate the communication systems used by emergency services […]
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The Road to Green 23: How the EU is tackling the challenge of ‘forever chemicals’
Are PFAS the most worrying pollutants of our time, and can we rid ourselves of them? Invisible but ubiquitous, PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are found in everything from non-stick pans to smartphones. While these chemicals are essential to modern industry, their “eternal” nature means that they accumulate in our environment and in our bodies, […]
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The Commission establishes a working group to strengthen food safety controls on imports
The European Commission has established a task force to maintain and strengthen the EU’s capacity to ensure that imports comply with Union standards, while supporting employment and growth for EU producers. The task force will focus in particular on food and feed safety, pesticide residues and coordinated EU follow-up measures on specific imported products. It […]
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EU measures to tackle shortages of essential medicines
Investment to boost production capacity in Europe and increase autonomy “Buy European” to support production Promoting joint public procurement between Member States Drug shortages are often due to production difficulties The regulation will cover antibiotics, insulin, vaccines and medicines for chronic diseases Parliament adopted proposals to improve the availability and supply of essential medicines in […]
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Commission hosts the G7 meeting on global health security
From 12 to 14 January, the European Commission is hosting a meeting ofthe Global Health Security Initiative (an informal network of G7 countries and organisations) in Brussels, with the aim of strengthening public health preparedness and addressing new global health risks. The meeting will discuss new and emerging health threats, as well as the group’s […]
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