MEPs adopted the report on new rules governing the use of so-called substances of human origin (SoHO) in the EU, with 483 votes in favour, 52 against and 89 abstentions. The measures apply to substances – such as blood and its components (red/white cells, plasma), tissues and cells – used for transfusions, therapies, transplantations or […]
Read MoreEuropean Commission and WHO launch landmark digital health initiative to strengthen global health security
The European Commission and the World Health Organization (WHO) have announced the launch of a landmark digital health partnership. In June 2023, WHO will take up the European Union (EU) system of digital COVID-19 certification to establish a global system that will help facilitate global mobility and protect citizens across the world from on-going and […]
Read MoreThe Commission has adopted a proposal to give more time to certify medical devices
The Commission adopted a proposal to give more time to certify medical devices to mitigate the risk of shortages. The proposal introduces a longer transition period to adapt to new rules, as foreseen under the Medical Devices Regulation. The new deadlines depend on the medical devices’ risk class and will ensure continued access to medical […]
Read MoreHealth Union: stronger EU response to public health emergencies
First Health Union package based on lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic finalised EU to be better prepared and able to coordinate its response to health crises Clearer rules for joint procurement of medicines and medical devices Parliament approved new measures strengthening the EU’s capacity to prevent and control the outbreak of communicable diseases and tackle […]
Read MoreA European Care Strategy for carers and care receivers
The European Commission presents the European Care Strategy to ensure quality, affordable and accessible care services across the European Union and improve the situation for both care receivers and the people caring for them, professionally or informally. The Strategy is accompanied by two Recommendations for Member States on the revision of the Barcelona targets on […]
Read MoreHealth Union: HERA additional vaccine doses monkeypox
HERA, the Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, has secured an additional 170,920 doses of Bavarian Nordic’s 3rd generation vaccine to respond to the ongoing monkeypox outbreak and to meet the more immediate needs. This brings the total number of doses directly purchased by the EU to 334,540 for Member States. These additional doses will be available […]
Read MoreThree steps forward towards an equal sharing of unpaid care
One-in-three people across the EU are unpaid informal carers for family members or friends in need due to health problems and/or disability. And that’s just one of the key findings from EIGE’s annual Gender Equality Index report, which this year focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic and care – published this October 2022. “This is the kind […]
Read MoreECDC to participate in a pilot project for the European Health Data Space: towards new opportunities for health research in Europe
The European Commission recently announced its decision to choose a consortium led by the French Health Data Hub to set up a pilot project for the European Health Data Space (EHDS). This project will aim to feed the legislative discussions around the draft regulation proposed by the European Commission on May 3rd on the European Health […]
Read MoreEU-Latin America and Caribbean Partnership
At the European Development Days, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, launched a new European Union – Latin America and Caribbean partnership on local manufacturing of vaccines, medicines and other health technologies, and strengthening health systems resilience, that will complement and further enhance social, economic and scientific […]
Read More