29/05/2024
As the European Union approaches a new political cycle, public health policy stands at a crossroads. With the EU4Health programme’s unprecedented €5.3 billion budget for 2021-2027 facing an uncertain future, it is crucial to consider the implications and priorities for the next mandate. This programme, born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, marked the first time the EU dedicated a specific budget to health, traditionally a Member State competence.
However, according to Sandra Gallina, Director-General of the European Commission’s health service (DG SANTE), this funding might be a one-off event. Gallina emphasises the need for sustainable financing beyond EU funds alone, indicating a shift towards embedding health initiatives within Member State policies.
The upcoming European elections will likely lead to a new political landscape that is more sceptical of ambitious EU action. In light of this, NGOs should be wary of the potential priorities of the next political cycle, as well as the most important factors to bear in mind when conducting advocacy campaigns.
What will the public health priorities of the next EU policy cycle be?
Stella Kyriakides, the outgoing Health Commissioner, underscores the importance of maintaining health as a top political priority. Over her tenure, significant strides were made, including the establishment of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), the launch of Europe’s first cancer plan, and initiatives to address drug shortages. Kyriakides calls for continued momentum, highlighting key areas for the next European Commission: climate change, medical shortages, antimicrobial resistance, cardiovascular diseases, and supporting European enlargement.
In addition, the “A Europe that Cares, Prepares, Protects” report from the WHO Euro Health Observatory emphasises the importance of strengthening the EU Health Union, enhancing healthcare systems, boosting preparedness for health crises, and promoting health equity across Member States.
Issues such as infectious diseases, mental health, and healthcare accessibility are at the forefront of the EU’s health agenda.
Three factors that public health NGOs should take into consideration
The upcoming political cycle presents both challenges and opportunities for public health policy in the EU. Vigilance and proactive engagement will be essential to ensure that health remains a priority in the new legislative framework.
Public health NGOs must monitor three critical factors:
1) Public health commitments in Europarties’ manifestos:
Examining the Europarties’ manifestos provides further insight into potential public health priorities. The themes mentioned in the Euromanifestos are:
Health Care:
- R&I, Digitalisation
- Health Systems
Health Prevention:
- Healthy food
- Tackling Non-communicable Diseases
- Equal access to healthcare
- One health
- Clean air and water
- Health inequalities and health promotion
Mental Health:
- Mental Health
Mental health seems to be one of the most recurrent topics. The focus on the One Health approach is quite limited and relegated to a few parties.
Find out below what topics are mentioned by each party:
- R&I, Digitalisation
- Health Systems
Health Prevention: 0/6
Health Care: 2/2
Mental health: NO
- Healthy food
- Tackling Non-communicable Diseases
- Equal access to healthcare
- One health
- Mental Health
- Clean air and water
- Health inequalities and health promotion
Health Prevention: 6/6
Health Care: 0/2
Mental health: YES
.
- Equal access to healthcare
- Mental health
- R&I, Digitalisation
- Clean air and water
- Health inequalities and health promotion
Health Prevention: 3/6
Health Care: 1/2
Mental health: YES
This manifesto does not mention Public Health
- R&I, Digitalisation
- Health Systems
- Equal access to healthcare
- Health inequalities and health promotion
- Mental health
Health Prevention: 2/6
Health Care: 2/2
Mental health: YES
- Healthy food
- Health Systems
- Equal access to healthcare
- Health inequalities and health promotion
Health Prevention: 3/6
Health Care: 1/2
Mental health: NO
- Tackling Non-communicable Diseases
- R&I, Digitalisation
- Health Systems
- Health inequalities and health promotion
- Mental health
Health Prevention: 2/6
Health Care: 2/2
Mental health: YES
- Clean air and water
- Health Systems
Health Prevention: 1/6
Health Care: 1/2
Mental health: NO
This manifesto does not mention Public Health
No Manifesto
2) The structuring of committees in the European Parliament:
From 16 to 19 July, the constituent plenary sessions will determine the composition of parliamentary committees and subcommittees. While a significant overhaul of the committee system is unlikely, maintaining the SANT subcommittee is vital. Subcommittees, like SANT, can be established at a later stage, as demonstrated in the current mandate.
3) The formation of intergroups in the European Parliament:
Intergroups are not official Parliament bodies, but they are recognised by Parliament. They are established by agreement between the chairs of the political groups at the beginning of each legislative term.
In the current mandate, there are some intergroups dealing with public health issues, such as the Intergroup on Cancer and the Intergroup on Wine, Spirits, and Foodstuffs (the latter being a vessel for industry).
The signatures allocation scheme for the establishment of the intergroups is determined at the beginning of each parliamentary term in accordance with an agreement concluded between the political groups.
The table below shows the number of signatures available to the political groups for the establishment of intergroups during the ninth parliamentary term (2019-2024):
The campaigns to collect signatures usually starts between September and December.
