What might the next EU Health agenda look like?

The European Commission plays a key role in complementing Member State national health policies and ensuring health protection across all EU policies. Our healthcare policy expert Emma Cracknell shares her thoughts on the topics that the next Commission might look to cover.

The health of Europe’s citizens is evolving alongside two trends: an ageing population and an increase in largely preventable diseases. By 2025, 20% of EU citizens will be over the age of 65 and, according to the 2018 State of Health Report, public spending on long-term care for the ageing population is projected to increase faster than spending on healthcare over the coming decades.

Furthermore, only 3% of healthcare budgets are spent on prevention, even though almost 70% of chronic diseases are largely preventable. The European Commission will need to continue to promote the health of European citizens and help Member State healthcare systems evolve to support its patients’ demands and needs. Ultimately ensuring that our healthcare systems stay sustainable.

Read Also: Which healthcare issues should be on your radar past 2019?

Other topics to keep on your radar for this year of change:

• The digital transformation of Healthcare
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
• The future of DG Santé