Two new reports published today show how the European Union has responded to the need and demand for more resilient, robust and equitable health systems, better prepared for potential crises. Both reports also highlight areas where further efforts are needed.

Four years after the first cases of the COVID-19 disease were identified, many of the solutions proposed to deal more effectively with the pandemic have been incorporated into EU law.

The aim was to strengthen our collective preparedness to deal with crises in the health sector, within the framework of a strong European Health Union. The 2023 Health Preparedness Report focuses on the steps the EU has taken to improve its ability to deal with serious cross-border health threats.

The 2023 State of Health in the EU Synthesis Report looks at how health systems are responding to the needs of European citizens across the EU. It includes country-by-country health profiles, which focus on the impact of the coronavirus on mental health and reforms that Member States have introduced to address this growing problem.

Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakidou said: “The coronavirus pandemic has put unprecedented pressure on our societies, economies and health systems.

Our response laid the foundations for a strong European Health Union, which is better prepared for future health crises and provides high-quality healthcare for all citizens. It is important that we continue to regularly monitor our progress in health preparedness and building resilient health systems. The reports on health preparedness and the state of health in the EU are key tools in achieving this and significantly guide our health policy, with the protection of our citizens a priority.”

Nikos Andritsos