Public Health Policy in the EU

Latest news on the public health policy of the European Union.

EU pharma legislation set for major reform — 27 April 2023, 21:42 CET

The Commission proposed Wednesday the largest reform of EU pharmaceutical legislation in over 20 years - with the aims of promoting innovation and ensuring patient access to affordable medicines.

Revision of EU pharmaceutical legislation - guide — 26 April 2023, 18:25 CET

The European Commission proposed on 26 April to revise the EU's pharmaceutical legislation - the largest reform in over 20 years - to make it more agile, flexible, and adapted to the needs of citizens and businesses across the EU. The revision will make medicines more available, accessible and affordable.

Council Recommendation on stepping up EU actions to combat AMR in a One Health approach - guide — 26 April 2023, 18:28 CET

The European Commission proposed on 26 April 2023 a major revision of the EU's pharmaceutical legislation. The package also includes a proposal for a Council Recommendation containing complementary measures to combat AMR in the fields of human health, animal health and the environment, through the so-called One Health approach.

Massive state support propped up European businesses in 2021 — 25 April 2023, 22:19 CET

EU states spent around EUR 335 billion under state aid measures in 2021, the Commission said Monday, 57 per cent of which helped firms seriously affected by the pandemic to remain viable.

EU acts to mitigate risk of medical devices shortage — 08 March 2023, 21:48 CET

The EU Council adopted a regulation Tuesday which extends the deadline for the certification of medical devices, with a view to mitigating the risk of shortages for European patients.

Avian flu: Brussels harmonises rules on animal vaccination — 21 February 2023, 00:07 CET

As part of measures to address the largest epidemic of avian flu observed in the EU so far, the Commission is harmonising the rules on vaccination of animals against the most serious animal diseases.

EU adopts stringent residue limits for pesticides to protect pollinators — 08 February 2023, 22:20 CET

The EU continued its battle to address pollinator decline Thursday with new rules on pesticides which will, once applicable, lower the maximum residues levels (MRLs) of two pesticides in food.

Lung cancer Europe's most common cause of death from cancer — 01 February 2023, 21:50 CET

Lung cancer is by far the most common cause of death from cancer in Europe, the Commission reported Wednesday in the first country cancer profiles under the European Cancer Inequalities Registry.

European Cancer Inequalities Registry — 01 February 2023, 18:31 CET

The European Cancer Inequalities Registry is a flagship initiative of Europe's 'Beating Cancer Plan'. It provides sound and reliable data on cancer prevention and care to identify trends, disparities and inequalities between Member States and regions.

Commission proposes extension of transitional periods for application of the Medical Devices Regulation — 10 January 2023, 18:30 CET

The European Commission adopted on 6 January a proposal to give more time to certify medical devices to mitigate the risk of shortages.

Brussels makes final EUR 6.5 bn payment under SURE jobs programme — 15 December 2022, 22:48 CET

The Commission disbursed over EUR 6.5 billion to nine Member States Wednesday, in the final transaction under the SURE instrument set up to protect jobs and incomes affected by the COVID pandemic.

EU Global Health Strategy - guide — 30 November 2022, 22:08 CET

The European Commission adopted on 30 November a new EU Global Health Strategy to improve global health security and deliver better health for all in a changing world.

Use of antibiotics in Europe down, but more needs to be done — 20 November 2022, 22:48 CET

On the eve of European Antibiotics Awareness Day (EAAD), a pan-European survey on antimicrobial resistance shows that half of Europeans still incorrectly believe that antibiotics kill viruses.

EU announces EUR 715m for global fight against AIDS, TB and malaria — 26 September 2022, 23:48 CET

The European Commission announced Thursday a new record EUR 715 million from the EU budget to the Global Fund, an international partnership to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Brussels looks to boost cancer diagnosis across the EU — 22 September 2022, 22:56 CET

With COVID taking its toll on cancer prevention, detection, and diagnosis, the EU presented plans Wednesday for an increase in the uptake of cancer screening and early detection of more cancers.

New EU approach to cancer screening - guide — 21 September 2022, 23:45 CET

As part of the EU Cancer Screening Scheme to be put forward under Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, the European Commission presented on 21 September a new approach to support Member States increasing the uptake of cancer screening.

EU must learn lessons from COVID-19 vaccine procurement: auditors — 13 September 2022, 18:21 CET

The EU needs to learn lessons as to whether the Commission and Member States procured COVID-19 vaccines effectively, the EU's auditors said in a special report published Tuesday.

State support for Europe's Covid-hit businesses 'unprecedented' — 12 September 2022, 23:00 CET

COVID-19 state aid measures allowed for unprecedented levels of public support while preserving the level-playing field of a fair Single Market, a report by the European Commission showed Thursday.

EU unveils strategy for accessible, affordable long-term care — 07 September 2022, 22:52 CET

The Commission laid out plans for a 'European Care Strategy' Wednesday to ensure quality, affordable care services across the EU and improve the situation for care receivers and those caring for them.

European Care Strategy - guide — 07 September 2022, 22:46 CET

The European Commission presented on 7 September 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.

EU send 5 million anti-radiation tablets to Ukraine — 30 August 2022, 23:54 CET

The European Union sent 5 million potassium iodide tablets to Ukraine Tuesday, as a preventative safety measure to increase the level of protection around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

EU and Moderna adapt delivery schedules for COVID-19 vaccines — 11 August 2022, 00:09 CET

The European Commission and Moderna reached an agreement Tuesday to better address the needs of EU Member States for COVID-19 vaccines for the late summer and winter period.

2nd Covid booster vaccines recommended for Europe — 12 July 2022, 00:00 CET

Second booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines should be considered for people between 60 and 79 years old and those with high risk conditions, European health agencies recommended Monday.

EU, MEPs agree one-year extension for COVID Certificate — 14 June 2022, 21:52 CET

Negotiating teams from the European Parliament and EU Council agreed Monday to keep the EU Digital COVID Certificate framework in place for another year, until June 2023.

EU strengthens rules for placing medical tests on market — 31 May 2022, 23:23 CET

As of 26 May, new rules to better protect public health and patient safety, on in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDR) such as HIV tests, pregnancy tests or COVID-19 tests, are applicable.