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 […]
European Health Union: cancer screening
As part of the EU Cancer Screening Scheme to be put forward under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the Commission presents a new approach to support Member States increasing the uptake of cancer screening. Focusing on detection of cancers at an early stage, the objective of the proposed recommendation is to increase the number of screenings, covering […]
Three 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 […]
Commission consults citizens on possible EU Soil Health Law
The European Commission has launched an online public consultation on the development of a possible EU Soil Health Law. Soils are the foundation of our food security, providing 95% of the food we eat. Healthy soils are vital for life on Earth. They deliver many essential services, and are crucial to achieve key objectives of the European Green […]
ECDC 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 […]
ECDC releases publications on COVID-19 vaccination strategies
Following the joint statement from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on 11 July 2022, ECDC has released Preliminary public health considerations for COVID-19 vaccination strategies in the second half of 2022. ECDC, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, has […]
Stronger rules greater safety, quality blood, tissues, cells
On 14th July, by proposing new rules to further increase the safety and quality of substances of human origin, the Commission is taking another step towards building a strong European Health Union. With this proposal, citizens will be safer in donating or receiving vital substances of human origin (SoHO), from blood to tissues and cells, […]
List of top-3 health threats to prepare against
The Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) presents a priority list of top-3 health threats that require coordination of measures at EU level in the context of medical countermeasures. The HERA Board agreed on a list which includes three threat categories of life-threatening or otherwise seriously harmful hazards to health which have the potential of […]
Protecting mental health in the digital work environment
MEPs call for preventive measures against stress associated with technology and over-connectedness, to protect mental health and take advantage of remote work In a resolution passed on Tuesday with 501 votes in favor, 47 against and 85 abstentions, the Parliament highlights the benefits of teleworking, such as greater flexibility and autonomy, but warns of relevant […]