Launch of first EU action to tackle nursing shortage shows positive impact of European Health Union

The Commission launched on 17 November the first EU action to help Member States retain and attract nurses, with a budget of €1.3 million under the EUproHealth programme, during a meeting in Warsaw of heads of medical, nursing and dental services under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The action is being set up by the European Commission in partnership with the WHO Regional Office for Europe, following the contribution agreement signed between the two in September 2024.

 

The action will consist of activities in all EU Member States over a period of 36 months, with a particular focus on countries with significant health workforce challenges. Through close cooperation with Member States, nursing organisations and social partners, this initiative will be tailored to the specific needs at national and sub-national level.The main activities of the initiative include mentoring programmes to attract a new generation of nursing professionals, nurse workforce impact assessments to understand the issues underlying structural shortages, strategies to improve the health and well-being of professionals and actions to help reap the benefits of digital transformation and AI.

Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, said: “Nursing professionals are a crucial part of healthcare systems, as they are often the closest link to patients. We are currently facing a shortage of 1.2 million doctors, nurses and midwives across the EU, and interest in nursing careers is declining in more than half of EU countries. The action launched today shows our commitment to address the shortage of nurses in Member States. I hope it will help to attract young talent to the profession and to retain our valuable professionals. I am very pleased to collaborate with the WHO Regional Office for Europe on this action.

 

More information: European Commission.