EU Health Summit 2023 event report
On 15 November, at its 3rd EU Health Summit, the EU Health Coalition called on Europe to think big and make health and life sciences a third strategic pillar for delivering a true EU Health Union (EHU). 9 concrete recommendations and policy proposals launched on the day are designed to make this vision happen. Over 300 participants – both at the Flemish Parliament and online across Europe – joined the EU Health Coalition’s call.
Powerful video testimonials from Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, and from patients from Denmark, Ireland, and the UK/Greece set the scene for a day of policy deep dives, networking, and connections around all things health in the future EU Health Union. The programme featured 6 panels and 27 speakers, including from the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Committee of the Regions, and several NGOs and civil society organisations.
Download the report here
Watch the event recordings
Moderated by Annabel Seebohm (COCIR), the panel recognised digital health as a game-changer for the creation of an EHU and welcomed the Coalition’s vision for health and digital as two strategic sectors for the EU.
The discussion, moderated by Dr. Chantal Mathieu (EUDF), developed around how to create a productive European research ecosystem; how to finance it; and how to translate its outcomes into innovation.
In the panel moderated by Ilaria Giannico (UEHP), speakers argued that the EHU should build an environment where innovation can flourish, and inequalities decrease. To this end, speakers called for patient-centred health data collection, trustworthy digital health, and innovative payment models.
These challenges underscored for Michele Calabrò (EUREGHA) what a priority health system integration is for the European health agenda. Getting integration right means understanding the different levels at which it should occur.
Building on the learnings from COVID-19, health and life sciences should become the third strategic pillar of Europe, for a true EHU to be realised.