A common health policy that would place shared interest above national demands is essential to effectively deal with the COVID-19 aftermath, ensure access to care, reduce the damage of future pandemics and tackle shared challenges. 
The day after, their wish has somehow been granted: the revised proposal for the multiannual financial framework 2021-2027 and the Next Generation EU Recovery plan, delivered by the European Commission foresees a dedicated funding lines for public health. The proposed new health programme, EU4Health, is 23 times higher the amount originally planned and would represent €9.37 billion. This new programme is described as a game changer on the way EU deals with health and may influence the Conference on the Future of Europe when the EU competences on health will be on the table.
The aim of the proposed EU4Health Programme is twofold:
- increase the EU ‘s preparedness for major cross-border health threats (e.g. plan medical supplies and relevant staff support, strengthen the monitoring and surveillance capacities, ensure availability and affordability of medicines, medical devices and health services);
- make health systems more resilient to cope with both epidemics and long-term challenges such as ageing and health inequalities (focus on health promotion and disease prevention, digital transformation of heath and care, access to healthcare).
AGE is a member of the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) which plays a key role in the EU4Health Alliance for stronger EU health coordination. We have been supporting this campaign and we also endorse this new joint call.
For more information:
- EU4Health Statement on reforms to be implemented after COVID-19 pandemic
- EU4Health proposal from the European Commission (2021-2027)
- Contact person: Julia Wadoux, Julia.wadoux@age-platform.eu
