### 54. welcomes the planned establishment , as announced in europe’s beating cancer plan , of an eu network linking recognised national comprehensive cancer centres (reference centres) in every member state to facilitate the uptake of quality-assured diagnosis and treatments , including training , research and promotion of clinical trials across the eu; calls on the commission to identify such existing centres within the eu , to promote the establishment of at least one comprehensive cancer centre in each member state and to support the coordination of the network of these centres via a european cancer institute; ### 54. welcomes the planned establishment , as announced in europe’s beating cancer plan , of an eu network linking recognised national comprehensive cancer centres (reference centres) in every member state to facilitate the uptake of quality-assured diagnosis and treatments , including training , research and promotion of clinical trials across the eu; calls on the commission to identify such existing centres within the eu , to promote the establishment of at least one comprehensive cancer centre in each member state and to support the coordination of the network of these centres via a european cancer institute; calls on the european commission and the members states to support the sustainability of pre-existing cross-border collaborations , such as in the paediatric cancer sector , and the european reference networks; recommends the implementation and enforcement of multi-disciplinary collaboration the soonest possible to improve the quality of care for patients; considers that cancer specialties and medical disciplines should be involved from the start in the work of the envisioned eu network of national comprehensive cancer centres;


### 54. welcomes the planned establishment , as announced in europe’s beating cancer plan , of an eu network linking recognised national comprehensive cancer centres (reference centres) in every member state to facilitate the uptake of quality-assured diagnosis and treatments , including training , research and promotion of clinical trials across the eu; calls on the commission to identify such existing centres within the eu , to promote the establishment of at least one comprehensive cancer centre in each member state and to support the coordination of the network of these centres via a european cancer institute; ### 54. welcomes the planned establishment , as announced in europe’s beating cancer plan , of an eu network linking recognised national comprehensive cancer centres (reference centres) in every member state to facilitate the uptake of quality-assured diagnosis and treatments , including training , anticipatory and responsive research and promotion of clinical trials across the eu; calls on the commission to identify such existing centres within the eu , to promote the establishment of at least one comprehensive cancer centre in each member state and to support the coordination of the network of these centres via a european cancer institute;


### 55. calls for the identification , reinforcement or creation in each member state of a national cancer control programme (nccp) , consisting of a unique structure , possibly a national cancer institute , in charge of the implementation and follow-up of the respective nccps , with adequate objectives and resources; recommends that the nccps are set up in coherence with the european guide for quality national cancer control programmes initiated by the european partnership for action against cancer (epaac); welcomes the setting up of a network of these organisations coordinated by the european cancer institute; ### 55. calls for the identification , reinforcement or creation in each member state of a national cancer institute in charge of the implementation and follow-up of the respective national cancer strategy (ncs); stresses that , for this purpose , clear objectives should be set accompanied by adequate resources and management; recommends that the ncss are set up in coherence with the european guide for quality national cancer control programmes initiated by the european partnership for action against cancer (epaac); welcomes the setting up of a network of these organisations coordinated by the association of european cancer institutes;


### iii.b. equal access to cancer care: towards a european medicines market ### iii.b. equal access to cancer care


### 56. calls on the commission to strengthen the european medicines market in order to guarantee equal access to treatment , reduce medicine shortages , overcome the problem of high prices for innovative treatments , and improve cancer treatments for adults and children; ### 56. calls on the commission and antitrust authorities to assess and defend the european medicines market keeping the attention on the acquisition of smes by large pharmaceutical companies that undermine fair competition;


### 56. calls on the commission to strengthen the european medicines market in order to guarantee equal access to treatment , reduce medicine shortages , overcome the problem of high prices for innovative treatments , and improve cancer treatments for adults and children; ### 56. calls on the commission to evaluate and form the european medicines market in order to guarantee equal access to treatment , reduce medicine shortages , overcome the problem of high prices for innovative treatments , improve cancer treatments for adults and children , and thus ensuring health as a human right and a public good for all;


### 58. notes that cancer patients are frequently affected by medicine shortages; calls on the commission to present a specific strategy for managing shortages of all medicines and medical products in europe and of cancer medicines in particular; supports the development of a common basket of the cancer drugs of which there may be shortages to ensure that patients have continuous access to appropriate treatment; ### 58. notes that cancer patients are frequently affected by medicine shortages or high medicine costs; calls on the commission and the member states to work together to counter shortages of all medicines and medical products in every country and of cancer medicines in particular , which will require every state to build their research , development and production capacity for medicines and other medical products , thus safeguarding their national sovereignty in this area; considers that any development of a common basket of the cancer drugs , within the framework of cooperation among member states , of which there may be shortages to ensure that patients have continuous access to appropriate treatment must not undermine the autonomy or sovereignty of every member state in their consolidation of their own reserve in line with their needs and interests or their development of capacity in the production of medicines and other medical products;


### 59. calls for the reinforcement and diversification of the supply chain , in particular that of cancer drugs , within the eu , close monitoring of medicine tensions and shortages , and the creation of a strategic stockpile of such medicines; ### 59. calls for the reinforcement and diversification of the member states’ supply chain , in particular that of cancer drugs , close monitoring of medicine tensions and shortages , and the creation of a strategic stockpile of such medicines;


### 60. points out that generic and biosimilar medicines enable efficient and safe cancer care , increased competition and savings for healthcare systems , thus helping to improve access to medicines for patients; stresses that their market entry should not be hampered or delayed; ### 60. points out that generic and biosimilar medicines enable efficient and safe cancer care , increased competition and savings for healthcare systems , thus helping to improve access to medicines for patients; stresses that their market entry should not be hampered or delayed because of unfair business strategies; urges for removing barriers to uptake and foster biosimilar medicines competition by designing policies that create a healthy long-term competition and promote biosimilar medicines use in the eu and national cancer strategies to ignite competition;


### 61. considers that member states should converge on the evaluation of medical technologies; welcomes , therefore , the provisional agreement on the health technology assessment (hta) regulation reached by the european parliament and the council on 22 june 202128 to support harmonised access to innovative cancer diagnosis and treatments; ### 61. considers that member states should converge on the evaluation of medical technologies; welcomes , therefore , the provisional agreement on the health technology assessment (hta) regulation reached by the european parliament and the council on 22 june 202128 to support harmonised access to innovative cancer diagnosis and treatments; calls for the mandatory involvement of hta experts in the design of clinical trials used for marketing authorization application;


### 62. insists on the need to ensure equal access to affordable drugs , in particular cancer drugs , within the eu; calls for collective negotiation on the price of medicines with pharmaceutical industries , as per the beneluxa initiative on pharmaceutical policy and the valetta declaration; considers that pharmaceutical companies should respect conditionalities on charging an affordable price for medicines developed in the framework of publicly funded research; ### 62. insists on the need to ensure equal access to affordable drugs , in particular cancer drugs , within the eu; calls for collective negotiation on the price of medicines with pharmaceutical industries , as per the beneluxa initiative on pharmaceutical policy and the valetta declaration; considers that pharmaceutical companies should respect conditionalities on charging an affordable price for medicines developed in the framework of publicly funded anticipatory and responsive research;


### 62. insists on the need to ensure equal access to affordable drugs , in particular cancer drugs , within the eu; calls for collective negotiation on the price of medicines with pharmaceutical industries , as per the beneluxa initiative on pharmaceutical policy and the valetta declaration; considers that pharmaceutical companies should respect conditionalities on charging an affordable price for medicines developed in the framework of publicly funded research; ### 62. insists on the need to ensure equal access to affordable drugs , in particular cancer drugs , within the eu; calls for collective negotiation on the price of medicines with pharmaceutical industries , as per the beneluxa initiative on pharmaceutical policy and the valetta declaration; considers that pharmaceutical companies should respect conditionalities on charging an affordable price for medicines developed , in particular with the support of public funding; ;


### 66. notes that huge advances in biology have revealed that cancer is an umbrella term for more than 200 diseases , and that precision or personalised medicine can be made available through the drug targeting of various mutations; considers that precision or personalised medicine , consisting of a treatment choice based on individual tumour biomarkers , is a promising way to improve cancer treatment; encourages member states , therefore , to promote the implementation of regional molecular genetics platforms and facilitate equal and rapid access to personalised treatment for patients; ### 66. notes that huge advances in biology have revealed that cancer is an umbrella term for more than 200 diseases , and that precision or personalised medicine can be made available through the drug targeting of various mutations; considers that precision or personalised medicine , consisting of a treatment choice based on individual tumour biomarkers , is a promising way to improve cancer treatment; encourages member states , therefore , to promote the implementation of regional molecular genetics platforms and facilitate equal and rapid access to personalised treatment for patients in respect of data privacy and ensuring that patients are informed and consent to the use of their health data for research and market purposes;


### 67. calls for the full and rapid application of regulation (eu) no 536/2014 of 16 april 2014 on clinical trials on medicinal products for human use31 ; considers that the application of the regulation would facilitate the launch of large clinical trials carried out in a harmonised , efficient and coordinated manner at european level in order to facilitate research into cancer drugs and improve cancer patients’ and their families’ quality of life; ### 67. calls for the full and rapid application of regulation (eu) no 536/2014 of 16 april 2014 on clinical trials on medicinal products for human use31 ; considers that the application of the regulation would facilitate the launch of large clinical trials carried out in a harmonised , efficient and coordinated manner at european level in order to facilitate research into cancer drugs and improve cancer patients’ and their families’ quality of life; urges for a fresh review of opportunities to reduce the bureaucracy associated to clinical trials , as well as long-term learning from the covid-19 pandemic on future forms of international trial cooperation and information-sharing;


### 67. calls for the full and rapid application of regulation (eu) no 536/2014 of 16 april 2014 on clinical trials on medicinal products for human use31 ; considers that the application of the regulation would facilitate the launch of large clinical trials carried out in a harmonised , efficient and coordinated manner at european level in order to facilitate research into cancer drugs and improve cancer patients’ and their families’ quality of life; ### 67. calls for the full and rapid application of regulation (eu) no 536/2014 of 16 april 2014 on clinical trials on medicinal products for human use31 ; considers that the application of the regulation would facilitate the launch of large clinical trials carried out in a harmonised , efficient and coordinated manner at european level in order to facilitate anticipatory and responsive research into cancer drugs and improve cancer patients’ and their families’ quality of life;


### 67. calls for the full and rapid application of regulation (eu) no 536/2014 of 16 april 2014 on clinical trials on medicinal products for human use31 ; considers that the application of the regulation would facilitate the launch of large clinical trials carried out in a harmonised , efficient and coordinated manner at european level in order to facilitate research into cancer drugs and improve cancer patients’ and their families’ quality of life; ### 67. calls for the full and rapid application of regulation (eu) no 536/2014 of 16 april 2014 on clinical trials on medicinal products for human use31 ; considers that the application of the regulation would facilitate the launch of large clinical trials across europe carried out in a harmonised , efficient and coordinated manner at european level in order to facilitate research into cancer drugs and improve cancer patients’ and their families’ quality of life;


### 68. calls for a more sustainable environment for conducting research into the repurposing of medicines for cancer treatment and for the creation of an additional project that uses high-performance computing to rapidly test existing molecules and new drug combinations , starting with treatment for cancers with a poor prognosis and rare cancers; ### 68. calls for a more sustainable environment for conducting research into the repurposing of medicines for cancer treatment and for the creation of an additional project that uses high-performance computing to rapidly test existing molecules and new drug combinations , starting with treatment for cancers with a poor prognosis and rare cancers; suggests an eu cancer policy goal of doubling survival for poor prognosis tumours to connect across eu related initiatives;


### 68. calls for a more sustainable environment for conducting research into the repurposing of medicines for cancer treatment and for the creation of an additional project that uses high-performance computing to rapidly test existing molecules and new drug combinations , starting with treatment for cancers with a poor prognosis and rare cancers; ### 68. calls for a more sustainable environment for conducting anticipatory and responsive research into the repurposing of medicines for cancer treatment and for the creation of an additional project that uses high-performance computing to rapidly test existing molecules and new drug combinations , starting with treatment for cancers with a poor prognosis and rare cancers;


### 69. supports the development of clinical trials on the use of new cancer drugs in adults and children; ### 69. supports the development of clinical trials for the discovery of improved forms of treatment and care for patients , including children and older patients;


### 69. supports the development of clinical trials on the use of new cancer drugs in adults and children; ### 69. supports the development of clinical trials and research across europe on the use of new cancer drugs in adults and children;


### 70. welcomes the commission’s intention to adopt a legislative proposal to establish a health emergency preparedness and response authority (hera) in order to anticipate , incentivise , co-develop and facilitate rapid , equal and sustainable access to cancer innovations for cancer patients; calls for a large consortium of public authorities , private companies and ngos , including patient associations , to work together to guarantee the accessibility and affordability of cancer treatment options requiring complex technologies , for instance , cellular therapy (car t cells) , adoptive immunotherapy through the use of tumour genome extracts (messenger rna) and nanotechnologies; ### deleted


### 71. underlines that the covid-19 crisis has had , and is still having , a significant impact on cancer patients’ survival and quality of life at all stages of the disease , due to delays in screening , referral and surgical procedures , treatment postponement , shortages in the supply of medicines and other medical supplies , specialised workforce shortages and reduced communication with health professionals; ### 71. underlines that the covid-19 crisis has had , and is still having , a significant impact on cancer patients’ survival and quality of life at all stages of the disease , due to delays and postponements of prevention schemes , clinical trials , screenings , referral and surgical procedures , treatment , shortages in the supply of medicines and other medical supplies , specialised workforce shortages and poor communication among health professionals of different categories;


### 71. underlines that the covid-19 crisis has had , and is still having , a significant impact on cancer patients’ survival and quality of life at all stages of the disease , due to delays in screening , referral and surgical procedures , treatment postponement , shortages in the supply of medicines and other medical supplies , specialised workforce shortages and reduced communication with health professionals; ### 71. underlines that the covid-19 crisis has led to an increase in undiagnosed cancers and had , and is still having , a significant impact on cancer patients’ survival and quality of life at all stages of the disease , due to delays in prevention activities such as hpv vaccination , screening , referral and surgical procedures , treatment postponement , shortages in the supply of medicines and other medical supplies , specialised workforce shortages and reduced communication with health professionals; highlights evidence suggesting that clinicians across europe saw 1.5 million fewer cancer patients in the first year of the pandemic , an estimated 100 million cancer screening tests were not performed in europe as a result of the pandemic , and consequently , 1 million citizens in the eu may presently be undiagnosed with cancer as a consequence of the covid-19 pandemic;


### 72. considers that the covid-19 pandemic was a real stress test for the eu’s health systems; underlines that the main lesson learned should be the need to build an emergency strategy to allow member states to react accordingly in times of any future health crises; stresses that specific measures under this emergency strategy should be aimed at the protection of vulnerable groups , including cancer patients; ### 72. considers that the covid-19 pandemic was a real stress test for the eu’s health systems; underlines that the main lesson learned should be the need to invest in public health sector and build an emergency strategy to allow member states to react simultaneously against any future health crises; stresses that specific measures under this emergency strategy should be aimed at the protection of vulnerable groups , including cancer patients , and the protection of health as a human right and a public good;


### 73. notes with concern that the covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing health workforce shortages; acknowledges the urgency of ensuring a sufficient number of specialised health professionals in cancer care; reiterates that specific measures under the emergency strategy should be aimed at addressing workforce shortages through the recruitment of health professionals; ### 73. notes with concern that the covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing workforce shortages of the public health sector; acknowledges the urgency of ensuring a sufficient number of specialised health professionals especially in public healthcare systems; reiterates that specific measures under the emergency strategy should be aimed at addressing workforce shortages through the recruitment of health professionals; underlines that new approaches for human-centred healthcare are required in order to ensure access to diagnostics , therapeutics and quality public health services for all;


### 73. notes with concern that the covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing health workforce shortages; acknowledges the urgency of ensuring a sufficient number of specialised health professionals in cancer care; reiterates that specific measures under the emergency strategy should be aimed at addressing workforce shortages through the recruitment of health professionals; ### 73. notes with concern that the covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing health workforce shortages; acknowledges the urgency of ensuring a sufficient number of specialised health professionals in cancer care; reiterates that specific measures under the emergency strategy should be aimed at addressing workforce shortages through the recruitment of health professionals; suggests that the cancer inequalities registry may serve as a tool in measuring and reporting on workforce shortages;


### 74. advocates the development of a digital health system to monitor symptoms and ensure cancer treatment and care at home; calls for permanent access to medical consultations and psychosocial services to be guaranteed through the use of telemedicine or in health threat-free environments in hospitals; ### 74. advocates the development of a digital health system to monitor symptoms and ensure cancer treatment and care outside hospital; calls for permanent access to medical consultations and psychosocial services to be guaranteed through the use of telemedicine or in health threat-free environments in hospitals;


### 75. asks for enhanced communication between health professionals , patients and public authorities regarding the effectiveness and safety of health interventions , in particular cancer screening , diagnosis and treatment , and for increased awareness campaigns in times of crises; ### 75. asks for enhanced communication between health professionals , parents , caregivers , patients , survivors , public authorities , and society regarding the effectiveness and safety of health interventions , in particular cancer screening , diagnosis and treatment , and for increased awareness campaigns in times of crises;


### 76. calls on the commission and the member states to adopt european prevention and management plans to address cancer drug shortages in times of health crises; ### 76. calls on the commission and the member states to adopt european prevention and management plans as part of a coherent and holistic contingency strategy to prevent and address shortages of medicines , devices , products and staff in times of health crises;


### 76. calls on the commission and the member states to adopt european prevention and management plans to address cancer drug shortages in times of health crises; ### 76. calls on the commission and the member states to adopt european prevention and management guidelines and enforce transparency over the supply and provision of cancer drug shortages in times of health crises;


### 78. emphasises the importance of specific eu recommendations to improve the quality of life of patients , including via supportive care (pain relief , psychological services , adapted physical activity , nutritional support , social assistance , access to reproductive health and restoration of aesthetic integrity); asks member states for recognition of sequelae (physical or mental disabilities) , as well as social discrimination; ### 78. emphasises the importance of specific eu recommendations to improve the quality of life of patients , including via supportive care (pain relief , psychological services , adapted physical activity , nutritional support , social assistance , access to reproductive health and restoration of aesthetic integrity); notes that there is a need to focus on the quality of life for a rising number of chronic cancer patients whose illness cannot be cured but which may be stabilised for a number of years; asks member states for recognition of sequelae (physical or mental disabilities) , as well as social discrimination;


### 78. emphasises the importance of specific eu recommendations to improve the quality of life of patients , including via supportive care (pain relief , psychological services , adapted physical activity , nutritional support , social assistance , access to reproductive health and restoration of aesthetic integrity); asks member states for recognition of sequelae (physical or mental disabilities) , as well as social discrimination; ### 78. emphasises the importance of specific eu recommendations to improve the quality of life of patients , including via supportive care (pain relief , psychological services , adapted physical activity , nutritional support , social assistance , access to reproductive health and restoration of aesthetic integrity); asks member states for recognition of sequelae (physical or mental disabilities) , as well as social discrimination , including in the workplaces;


### 79. encourages member states to take into account the frequent exhaustion of the families and relatives of cancer patients and to provide them with psychological assistance and rest periods in the workplace; ### 79. encourages member states to take into account the frequent exhaustion of the families and relatives of cancer patients and to provide them with psychological assistance and stronger employee protection , considering , among other options , rest periods in the workplace , increases in the number of days with justified and paid absences to support family members , leave and care allowances for direct relatives with 100% remuneration;


### 80. recalls that patient empowerment is crucial for the european cancer strategy and that patient-centeredness and participatory decision-making must be at the heart of treatment and care development processes; encourages the therapeutic education of caregivers and patients and their empowerment in the care programmes; ### 80. recalls that patient empowerment is crucial for the european cancer strategy and that patient-centeredness and participatory decision-making must be at the heart of treatment and care development processes; encourages the therapeutic education of caregivers and patients and their empowerment in the care programmes; recommends the support of such initiatives and actions to empower cancer patients through eu funding such as the eu4health programme;


### 82. calls on the member states to improve the reintegration of cancer survivors into the labour market and to facilitate the return to school of paediatric cancer survivors; advocates specific eu recommendations for measures for cancer survivors to prevent the recurrence of primary cancer and the development of new cancers and for their rehabilitation; ### 82. calls on the member states to improve the reintegration of cancer survivors into the labour market and to facilitate the return to school of paediatric cancer survivors; recalls the recommendations and tools developed by the chrodis+ joint action to foster patients’ retention at work , return to work and reintegration into the labour market; and encourages the european commission to support their implementation across europe advocates specific eu recommendations for measures for cancer survivors to prevent the recurrence of primary cancer and the development of new cancers and for their rehabilitation; recommends the improvement of cancer registry information across europe on recurrence of cancer;


### 82. calls on the member states to improve the reintegration of cancer survivors into the labour market and to facilitate the return to school of paediatric cancer survivors; advocates specific eu recommendations for measures for cancer survivors to prevent the recurrence of primary cancer and the development of new cancers and for their rehabilitation; ### 82. calls on the member states to improve the reintegration of cancer survivors into the labour market and to facilitate the return to school of paediatric cancer survivors; advocates specific eu recommendations for measures for cancer survivors to prevent the recurrence of primary cancer and the development of new cancers and for their rehabilitation , including specific provisions for long-term follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors as they transition into adulthood;


### a. whereas europe’s beating cancer plan should effectively respond to the call for progress by the families and doctors of the 1.3 million people who die from cancer each year in europe , including 6 000 children , the crucial needs of patients who are currently in need of efficient and innovative treatments , the rightful expectations of more than 12 million cancer survivors facing the difficult return back to a ‘normal life’ , the clear will of future generations to be protected against health threats , and the concern of governments facing a growing economic burden from cancer and its related treatments; ### a. whereas europe’s beating cancer plan should effectively respond to the call for progress by the families and doctors of the 1.3 million people who die from cancer each year in europe , including 6 000 children and young people , the crucial needs of patients who are currently in need of efficient and innovative treatments , the rightful expectations of more than 12 million cancer survivors facing the difficult return back to a ‘normal life’ , the clear will of future generations to be protected against health threats , and the concern of governments facing a growing economic burden from cancer and its related treatments;


### b. whereas europe represents less than 10 % of the world’s population , but accounts for a quarter of all cancer cases , and whereas cancer is the second leading cause of death in europe after cardiovascular diseases; whereas although there has been a slight decrease in mortality rates thanks to screening campaigns and therapeutic innovation , the number of cases diagnosed is nevertheless increasing , notably due to longer life expectancies , which results in ageing populations; whereas almost three quarters of all cancer diagnoses in the eu occur in people aged 60 or above; ### b. whereas europe represents less than 10 % of the world’s population , but accounts for a quarter of all cancer cases , and whereas cancer is the second leading cause of death in europe after cardiovascular diseases , and the first cause of death by disease in children older than one year of age; whereas although there has been a slight decrease in mortality rates thanks to screening campaigns and therapeutic innovation , the number of cases diagnosed is nevertheless increasing , notably due to longer life expectancies , which results in ageing populations; whereas almost three quarters of all cancer diagnoses in the eu occur in people aged 60 or above; whereas the specific needs of children and adolescents with cancer require continued attention and support globally;


### c. whereas cancer illustrates social injustice in healthcare , as differences in cancer survival rates across the eu member states exceed 25 %; whereas eu citizens are unequal in terms of prevention , unequally protected against risk factors , unequally educated in terms of healthy behaviours and unequally equipped against misinformation; whereas eu citizens are unequal in terms of timely access to quality care from member state to member state and from region to region in any given country; whereas after recovery or when in remission , eu citizens are unequal in their ability to return to work , to be financially independent and to return to a harmonious familial , social and emotional life; ### c. whereas cancer illustrates social injustice in healthcare , as differences in cancer survival rates across the eu member states exceed 25 %;whereas eu citizens are unequal in terms of prevention , unequally protected against risk factors , unequally educated in terms of healthy behaviours and unequally equipped against misinformation; whereas eu citizens are unequal in terms of timely access to quality care from member state to member state and from region to region in any given country; whereas access to fully multidisciplinary and multi-professional teams varies widely across europe; whereas after recovery or when in remission , eu citizens are unequal in their ability to return to work , to be financially independent and to return to a harmonious familial , social and emotional life;


### d. whereas specific national or regional cancer policies have been set up in most member states , whose missions and budgets are heterogeneous; ### d. whereas specific national or regional cancer policies have been set up in most member states , whose missions and budgets are heterogeneous; whereas some regions have become hubs in the fight against cancer , with an expertise that should be shared all over the union;


### d. whereas specific national or regional cancer policies have been set up in most member states , whose missions and budgets are heterogeneous; ### d. whereas specific national or regional cancer policies have been set up in most member states , whose missions , capacity and budgets are heterogeneous;


### e. whereas the goal of europe’s beating cancer plan should not only be to fight against a crucial public health issue and to help patients live longer and better lives , but should also be to initiate a reduction in health inequalities and inequities and lower the social and economic burden of the disease; whereas the commission should promote a patient-centred and citizens’ rights-based approach by integrating considerations of justice , sustainability , equity , solidarity , innovation and collaboration at the very core of europe’s beating cancer plan; ### e. whereas the goal of europe’s beating cancer plan should not only be to fight against a crucial public health issue and to help patients live longer and better lives , but should also be to initiate a reduction in territorial health inequalities and inequities and lower the social and economic burden of the disease; whereas the commission should promote a patient-centred and citizens’ rights-based approach by integrating considerations of justice , sustainability , equity , solidarity , innovation and collaboration at the very core of europe’s beating cancer plan;


### f. whereas health literacy includes the acquisition of knowledge and skills , awareness of rights and the confidence to take action to improve personal and community health; whereas actions to promote health literacy under the plan should focus on empowering patients and citizens; whereas all efforts to increase health literacy should take into account people with learning disabilities , as well as ensure that the necessary information is available in common non-eu languages in order to reach migrants and new arrivals; ### f. whereas health literacy includes the acquisition of knowledge and skills , awareness of rights and the confidence to take action to improve personal and community health; whereas actions to promote health literacy under the plan should focus on empowering patients and citizens; whereas patient empowerment requires assisting patients understand their rights , including specifically as cancer patients; whereas all efforts to increase health literacy should take into account people with learning disabilities , as well as ensure that the necessary information is available in common non-eu languages in order to reach migrants and new arrivals; whereas efforts to improve health literacy should also include support on assisting citizens to identify misinformation , noting the harmful impacts this can have across all areas of cancer care including prevention , vaccination and treatment.


### g. whereas the plan should be implemented in close association with the recommendations and actions of the international agency for research on cancer (iarc) , the un sdgs for global health , and the recommendations and guidelines of the world health organization (who) , and should acknowledge as a priority the eu’s solidarity and partnership with low- and middle-income countries; ### g. whereas the plan should be implemented in close association with the recommendations and actions of the international agency for research on cancer (iarc) , the un sdgs for global health , including the objective of achieving universal health coverage , and the recommendations and guidelines of the world health organization (who) , and should acknowledge as a priority the eu’s solidarity and partnership with low- and middle-income countries , including those in the wider who europe region;


### g. whereas the plan should be implemented in close association with the recommendations and actions of the international agency for research on cancer (iarc) , the un sdgs for global health , and the recommendations and guidelines of the world health organization (who) , and should acknowledge as a priority the eu’s solidarity and partnership with low- and middle-income countries; ### g. whereas the plan should be implemented in close association with the recommendations and actions of the international agency for research on cancer (iarc) , the un sdgs for global health , and the recommendations and guidelines of the world health organization (who) , including the who global initiative for childhood cancer , and the eu joint actions on cancer , and should acknowledge as a priority the eu’s solidarity and partnership with low- and middle-income countries;


### h. whereas addressing cancer could be used as a model for other non-communicable diseases , and whereas patients with other chronic diseases should therefore also benefit from the achievements of europe’s beating cancer plan; ### h. whereas addressing cancer could be used as a model for other non-communicable diseases , and whereas patients with other chronic diseases should therefore also benefit from the achievements of europe’s beating cancer plan; whereas addressing cancer could be used as a model for improving the union’s complementary competences on preventing mental diseases;


### h. whereas addressing cancer could be used as a model for other non-communicable diseases , and whereas patients with other chronic diseases should therefore also benefit from the achievements of europe’s beating cancer plan; ### h. whereas addressing cancer could be used as a model for other non-communicable diseases , and whereas patients with other chronic diseases , especially with psychological diseases , should therefore also benefit from the achievements of europe’s beating cancer plan;


### i. whereas a common policy driven at european level is absolutely essential for progress in the area of cancer; whereas the primary responsibility for health protection and healthcare systems lies with the member states; ### i. whereas a common policy driven at european level is absolutely essential for progress in the area of cancer; whereas the primary responsibility for health protection and healthcare systems lies with the member states , who have , in turn , devolved such competences to regions;


### j. whereas a comprehensive , multidisciplinary and coordinated approach to addressing social , individual , environmental and commercial health determinants is needed at regional , national and european level in order to support actions targeting all aspects of cancer (prevention , detection , treatment , palliative care and reintegration) through the effective mobilisation of key tools such as research and knowledge sharing; whereas new technologies and artificial intelligence have high potential for improvements in the field of cancer research; ### j. whereas a comprehensive , multidisciplinary and coordinated approach to addressing social , individual , environmental and commercial health determinants is needed at regional , national and european level in order to support actions targeting all aspects of cancer (prevention , detection , treatment , palliative care , follow-up care for survivors and reintegration) through the effective mobilisation of key tools such as research and knowledge sharing; whereas new technologies and artificial intelligence have high potential for improvements in the field of cancer research;


### m. whereas europe’s beating cancer plan could therefore represent the first step towards a real european health union; ### m. whereas europe’s beating cancer plan could therefore represent the first step towards a real european health union and a public demonstration to citizens of the success that eu health cooperation can achieve;


### 1. strongly believes that preventive actions against cancer should be implemented in all european policies and funding programmes; ### 1. strongly believes that preventive actions against cancer complemented by measures supporting the elimination or reduction of harm related to modifiable risk factors should be implemented in all european policies and funding programmes;


### 1. strongly believes that preventive actions against cancer should be implemented in all european policies and funding programmes; ### 1. strongly believes that preventive actions against cancer should be implemented across all european policies and funding programmes;


### 2. calls on the commission and member states to design and implement effective prevention measures at national and eu level , based on best practices , independent expertise and guidance; ### 2. calls on the commission and member states to implement the european code against cancer (ecac) to reduce the risk of cancer based on the latest scientific evidence on cancer prevention , lessons learnt , best practices and independent expertise and guidance; recalls the importance of updating the ecac on a cycle that supports a continuous process of monitoring and evaluation;


### 2. calls on the commission and member states to design and implement effective prevention measures at national and eu level , based on best practices , independent expertise and guidance; ### 2. calls on the commission and member states to design and implement effective prevention measures aiming at eliminating or reducing harm at national and eu level , based on best practices , independent scientific expertise and guidance;


### 3. acknowledges that more than 40 % of all cancers are preventable through coordinated actions on social , individual , environmental and commercial health determinants; ### 3. acknowledges that more than 40 % of all adult cancers are preventable through coordinated actions on social , individual , environmental and commercial health determinants; stresses the need for focus on genetic predisposition and environmental factors for early detection in childhood cancers as a disease that develops early in life over a short time period;


### 4. supports the aim of the horizon europe cancer mission to avert more than 3 million additional premature deaths over the 2021-2030 period , by accelerating progress in cancer prevention and control programmes and creating more equal access to these programmes; ### 4. supports the aim of the horizon europe cancer mission to avert more than 3 million additional premature deaths over the 2021-2030 period , by accelerating progress in cancer prevention , organised screenings and early diagnosis programmes , creating more equal access to health as a human right and a public good;


### 5. deplores the significant health inequalities in the eu as regards cancer prevention; insists on the need to pay special attention to vulnerable and marginalised populations in order to ensure their access to cancer prevention services; ### 5. deplores the significant health inequalities in the eu as regards cancer prevention; insists on the need to pay special attention to disadvantaged , vulnerable , socially excluded , and marginalised populations in order to ensure their access to cancer prevention services; highlights the need to approach disadvantaged , vulnerable , socially excluded , and marginalized people with innovative approaches to cancer prevention including the policy of reduced risks;


### 5. deplores the significant health inequalities in the eu as regards cancer prevention; insists on the need to pay special attention to vulnerable and marginalised populations in order to ensure their access to cancer prevention services; ### 5. deplores the significant health inequalities in the eu as regards cancer prevention; insists on the need to pay special attention to vulnerable and marginalised populations in order to ensure their access to cancer prevention services , such as smoking cessation services , obesity treatment and hpv vaccination;


### 7. strongly supports the goal of a ‘tobacco-free generation’ , as set out in europe’s beating cancer plan , where less than 5 % of the population uses tobacco by 2040 , compared to around 25 % today; ### 7. strongly supports the goal of a ‘tobacco-free generation’ , as set out in europe’s beating cancer plan , where less than 5 % of the population uses tobacco by 2040 , compared to around 25 % today; urges that progress towards interim goals towards this target be reported within the cancer inequalities registry in order to best direct efforts to achieve the overall target;


### 11. recalls that ethanol and acetaldehyde in alcoholic beverages are classified as carcinogenic to humans by the iarc , and that in europe an estimated 10 % of all cancer cases in men and 3 % of all cancer cases in women are attributable to alcohol consumption; ### 11. recalls that ethanol and acetaldehyde in alcoholic beverages are classified as carcinogenic to humans by the iarc , and that in europe an estimated 10 % of all cancer cases in men and 3 % of all cancer cases in women are attributable to alcohol consumption; notes that alcohol consumption is a key factor in developing over 60 diseases and conditions , including seven types of cancer: mouth , upper throat , larynx , oesophagus , breast , liver , and colorectal cancer;


### 84. supports the upcoming roll-out of a cancer survivor smart card , as announced in europe’s beating cancer plan , to all european cancer survivors , especially survivors of childhood and adolescent cancers , which will summarise their clinical history , including patients’ own experience , and facilitate and monitor follow-up care; ### 84. supports the upcoming roll-out of a cancer survivor smart card , as announced in europe’s beating cancer plan , to all european cancer survivors , especially survivors of childhood and adolescent cancers for whom the survivorship passport model exists as a basis , which will summarise their clinical history , including patients’ own experience , and facilitate and monitor follow-up care;


### 85. considers that insurers and banks should not take into account the medical history of people who have been affected by cancer; calls for national legislation to ensure that cancer survivors are not discriminated against compared to other consumers; notes the commission’s intention to engage with businesses to develop a code of conduct to ensure that developments in cancer treatments and their improved effectiveness are reflected in the business practices of financial service providers; supports , in parallel , the promotion of advances made in france , belgium , luxembourg and the netherlands , where cancer survivors enjoy the ‘right to be forgotten’; requests that by 2025 , at the latest , all member states should guarantee the right to be forgotten to all european patients ten years after the end of their treatment , and five years after the end of treatment for patients whose diagnosis was made before the age of 18; calls for the introduction of common standards for the right to be forgotten under the relevant provisions on consumer protection policy of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , in order to remedy the fragmented national practices in the area of creditworthiness assessment and ensure equal access to credit for cancer survivors; ### 85. considers that insurers and banks should not take into account the medical history of people who have been affected by cancer; calls for national legislation to ensure that cancer survivors are not discriminated against compared to other consumers; notes the commission’s intention to engage with businesses to develop a code of conduct to ensure that developments in cancer treatments and their improved effectiveness are reflected in the business practices of financial service providers; supports , in parallel , the promotion of advances made in france , belgium , luxembourg and the netherlands , where cancer survivors enjoy the ‘right to be forgotten’; requests that by 2025 , at the latest , all member states should guarantee the right to be forgotten to all european patients ten years after the end of their treatment , and up to five years after the end of treatment for patients whose diagnosis was made before the age of 18; calls for the introduction of common standards for the right to be forgotten under the relevant provisions on consumer protection policy of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , in order to remedy the fragmented national practices in the area of creditworthiness assessment and ensure equal access to credit for cancer survivors;


### 86. calls on the commission to support the european code of cancer care launched by the european cancer organisation (eco) , which is an empowering and informative tool to ensure that the best available care is provided to european citizens and patients; ### 86. calls on the commission to support the european code of cancer care practice launched by the european cancer organisation (eco) , which is an empowering and informative tool to ensure that the best available care is provided to european citizens and patients; stresses that this support should include assistance in awareness raising and promotion;


### 91. stresses the need to strengthen the right to cross-border care for children and aya cancer patients when the best treatment is not available in their country of residence; ### 91. stresses the need to strengthen the right to cross-border care for children and aya cancer patients when the best treatment is not available in their country of residence and ensure that access to innovation in early clinical trials for relapsed or difficult-to-treat malignancies is covered by the relevant provisions;


### 91. stresses the need to strengthen the right to cross-border care for children and aya cancer patients when the best treatment is not available in their country of residence; ### 91. stresses the need to strengthen the right to cross-border care for children and aya cancer patients , when the best treatment is not available in their country of residence , by enhancing the sustainability of existing cross-border collaborations including the european reference networks , in particular the ern paedcan;


### 92. calls for an ambitious revision of the regulations on paediatric33 and orphan34 medicinal products in order to ensure access to innovative cancer drugs , identify the most important drugs to meet the needs of children with poor prognostic cancers , reduce delays so that children can have faster access to paediatric drugs , and address limited access to certain essential medicines due to drug shortages and the high price of innovative medicines; recommends an increase of 20 % in the available new paediatric cancer drugs by 2027; ### 92. calls for an ambitious revision of the regulations on paediatric33 and orphan34 medicinal products in order to ensure access to innovative cancer drugs , identify the most important drugs to meet the needs of children with poor prognostic cancers as well as incentivise the first-in-child development of new paediatric anticancer medicines , reduce delays so that children can have faster access to paediatric drugs , and address limited access to certain essential medicines due to drug shortages and the high price of innovative medicines; recommends an increase of 20 % in the available new paediatric cancer drugs by 2027;


### 96. supports the recommendation of the joint action on rare cancers for the roll-out of a european unique patient identifier , in order to ensure the monitoring of long-term outcomes in childhood cancer survivors in a cross-border setting; ### 96. supports the recommendation of the joint action on rare cancers for the roll-out of a european unique patient identifier , the survivorship passport and guidelines on long-term surveillance and transition from paediatric to adult care in order to ensure the monitoring of long-term outcomes in childhood cancer survivors in a cross-border setting; stresses the need for the ‘right to be forgotten’ to be fit for purpose for this population;


### 97. stresses that europe’s beating cancer plan should be implemented in close cooperation with the cancer mission under horizon europe and its objectives of promoting eu investment in cancer research and innovation; ### 97. stresses that europe’s beating cancer plan should be implemented in close cooperation with the cancer mission under horizon europe and its objectives of promoting eu investment in anticipatory and responsive cancer research and innovation;


### 97. stresses that europe’s beating cancer plan should be implemented in close cooperation with the cancer mission under horizon europe and its objectives of promoting eu investment in cancer research and innovation; ### 97. stresses that europe’s beating cancer plan should be implemented in close cooperation with the cancer mission under horizon europe and its objectives of promoting eu investment in cancer research and public production and innovation;


### 98. recalls that cancer research , and its translation into everyday clinical practice , is fundamental to ensuring continuous improvements in cancer prevention , diagnosis , treatment and follow-up care for survivors; welcomes , therefore , the launch of horizon europe partnerships to translate scientific knowledge into innovations; ### 98. recalls that cancer research , and its translation into everyday clinical practice , is fundamental to ensuring continuous improvements in cancer prevention , diagnosis , treatment and follow-up care for survivors; welcomes , therefore , the launch of horizon europe partnerships to translate scientific knowledge into innovations; highlights that promotion and development of translational research should be considered as an important core objective of the eu network of comprehensive cancer centres;


### 99. reiterates its call for sustainable and adequate funding for competitive european research on cancer; calls for at least a 20 % increase in the mobilisation of public and private research on therapeutic and diagnostic cancer innovations; ### 99. reiterates its call for sustainable and adequate funding for competitive european research on cancer; stresses that such research should aim to address areas of high unmet need , neglected tumour types including those with poor prognosis , and be conducted across all parts of the cancer care continuum , including for all treatment modalities; calls for at least a 20 % increase in the mobilisation of public and private research on therapeutic and diagnostic cancer innovations upon clear conditionalities and transparency of the contracts stipulated between public and private entities;


### 99. reiterates its call for sustainable and adequate funding for competitive european research on cancer; calls for at least a 20 % increase in the mobilisation of public and private research on therapeutic and diagnostic cancer innovations; ### 99. reiterates its call for sustainable and adequate funding for competitive european research on cancer; stresses that such research should aim to address areas of high unmet need , neglected tumour types including those with poor prognosis , and be conducted across all parts of the cancer care continuum , including for all treatment modalities; calls for at least a 20 % increase in the mobilisation of public and private research on therapeutic and diagnostic cancer innovations;


### 100. stresses the need for independent and multidisciplinary research on cancer ‘from bench to bedside’ , that is from the laboratory to applied studies in patients; urges the establishment of measures to limit misinformation , especially on social media; ### 100. stresses the need for independent and multidisciplinary anticipatory and responsive research on cancer ‘from bench to bedside’ , that is from the laboratory to applied studies in patients; urges the establishment of measures to limit misinformation , especially on social media;


### 102. considers the significant potential impact of the use of artificial intelligence and modern technologies in diagnosis and decision-making for cancers in the coming years; encourages the commission and the member states to promote the knowledge of cancer biology through the implementation of genomics and informatics infrastructures; ### 102. considers the significant potential impact of the use of artificial intelligence and modern technologies in diagnosis and decision-making for cancers in the coming years; encourages the commission and the member states to promote the knowledge of cancer biology through the implementation of genomics and informatics infrastructures; highlights the importance of certain principles to be safeguarded by all relevant agents including trust , transparency , patient centricity and patient involvement at all times;


### 107. encourages research on non-profit clinical trials to improve treatment strategies , with a focus on the elderly; ### 107. encourages research on non-profit clinical trials to improve treatment strategies , with a focus on the elderly; urges for eu support for the health system and treatment optimization agenda;


### 107. encourages research on non-profit clinical trials to improve treatment strategies , with a focus on the elderly; ### 107. encourages anticipatory and responsive research on non-profit clinical trials to improve treatment strategies , with a focus on the elderly;


### 108. calls on the commission and the member states to promote studies dedicated to human and social sciences , in particular those addressing health inequalities at the different stages of cancer diseases; ### 108. calls on the commission and the member states to promote studies dedicated to human and social sciences , in particular those addressing health inequalities at the different stages of cancer diseases; stresses that this should include attention to inequalities in cancer care related to such factors as gender , age , and socio-economic status , including marginalised and vulnerable groups of society;


### 109. considers that the commission and the member states should support the development of european multicentre clinical trials; ### 109. considers that the commission and the member states should support the development of european multicentre clinical trials; highlights the need for all eu cancer policy initiatives to be coordinated towards defined and shared aims; recommends that support for multinational translational , clinical and outcomes-based research be considered an important element of the eu network of comprehensive cancer centres;


### 111. strongly believes that patient associations should be involved in defining research endpoints for clinical trials , in order to ensure that the trials address the unmet needs of european patients; considers that the final results of the trials should be communicated to the participating patients and to the public; ### 111. strongly believes that patient associations should be involved in defining research endpoints for clinical trials , in order to ensure that the trials address the unmet needs of european patients; considers that the final results of the trials should be communicated to the participating patients and to the public; stresses that the extent to which transparency provisions within the clinical trials regulation 536/2014 are being met , should be kept under surveillance , and therefore regularly reported on;


### 112. advocates more transparency in the process of research into and the development of cancer treatments , including the establishment of a portal to allow patients access to information on the available clinical trials in europe; ### 112. advocates for more robust scrutiny of clinical trials , more transparency in the process of research into and the development of cancer treatments , including the establishment of a portal to allow patients access to information on the available clinical trials in europe; calls for transparency on the data of clinical trials , including those that have been discarded;


### 112. advocates more transparency in the process of research into and the development of cancer treatments , including the establishment of a portal to allow patients access to information on the available clinical trials in europe; ### 112. advocates more transparency in the process of anticipatory and responsive research into and the development of cancer treatments , including the establishment of a portal to allow patients access to information on the available clinical trials in europe;


### 114. asks the commission to assess the functioning of the european reference networks (erns) , especially their role in gathering and sharing expertise and best practices , thus rationalising patient referral in the management of rare cancers , which affect an estimated 5.1 million patients across europe and require cooperation on a large scale; ### 114. asks the commission to assess the functioning of the european reference networks (erns) , especially their role in gathering and sharing expertise and best practices , thus rationalising patient referral in the management of rare cancers , which affect an estimated 5.1 million patients across europe and require cooperation on a large scale; emphasises the importance of the erns with regard to overcoming health inequalities and ensuring safer and high-quality treatment across eu borders;


### 115. emphasises the need to secure sustained long-term funding for the erns; supports the expansion of the erns to specific types of cancer (rare , complex , poorly curable) and paediatric cancers; ### 115. calls on the commission and the member states to secure appropriate and sustained long-term funding for the erns , including the ern paedcan that covers all paediatric cancers , such as towards compensation of virtual consultations , resourcing twinning and education programmes , and effective reimbursement of patient travel when this is required , in order to foster improved standards of care and equal access to the best possible interventions to all patients who require them across europe; supports the expansion of the erns to specific types of cancer (rare , complex , poorly curable) and paediatric cancers;


### 116. believes that the revamping of erns will necessarily involve the participation of all member states in existing erns , with each member state having at least one ‘full’ or ‘affiliate’ member in each ern , the facilitation of the individual patient journey through the effective collaboration of national contact points with erns , the evaluation of the functioning of the erns by sharing data on their performance and networking in the field of rare cancers , the deployment of telemedicine tools allowing for the sharing of case records and imaging results , and the allocation of adequate and long-term funding , both at union (eu4health) and national level; ### 116. believes that the consolidation of erns will necessarily involve the participation of all member states in existing erns , with each member state having at least one ‘full’ or ‘affiliate’ member in each ern and in each sub-clinical domain/thematic network of erns; stresses the need to facilitate patient access through the effective collaboration of national contact points with erns , encourage the deployment of efficient telemedicine tools allowing for the sharing of case records and imaging results in a secured fashion to discuss complex rare cancer cases , foster networking in the field of rare cancer , and allocate adequate and long-term funding , both at union and national level;


### 120. recommends the creation of at least one cancer registry in each eu region , including remote and outermost regions; supports the strengthening of the capacity of national cancer registries to collect data (including lifestyle and socio-economic information) to better identify the causes of inequalities in cancer incidence , prevalence and survival; asks member states to ensure the comparability of data sources and the interoperability of regional and national cancer registries; ### 120. recommends the creation of at least one cancer registry in each eu region , including remote and outermost regions; supports the strengthening of the capacity of national cancer registries to collect standardised patient-reported outcomes , real-world data and real world evidence as well as results of anonymised surveys regularly formulated and conducted by trained professionals to better map lifestyle and socio-economic conditions of eu citizens and data to identify the causes of inequalities in cancer incidence , prevalence and survival; asks member states to ensure the comparability of data sources and the interoperability of regional and national cancer registries; calls for the implementation of specific cancer registries for paediatric malignancies in line with international classification of childhood cancer (iccc);


### 124. calls for the creation of a virtual european cancer institute , involving all stakeholders (representatives of each nccp , patients’ and caregivers’ associations , learned societies etc.) , in charge of the following missions: ### 124. calls for the creation of a virtual european cancer institute , involving all stakeholders (representatives of each nccp , patients’ and caregivers’ associations , learned societies etc.) , as well as economic operators , in charge of the following missions:


### j) monitoring the level of implementation of relevant recommendations in the member states’ nccps; ### j) monitoring and regularly making available the level of implementation of relevant recommendations in the member states’ nccps;


### 125. emphasises that europe’s beating cancer plan should not only be seen as a political commitment to driving change but as a set of concrete and ambitious initiatives that will support , coordinate and complement member states’ efforts to reduce the suffering caused by cancer; stresses that , in order for the initiatives outlined in the plan to be translated into concrete actions , these initiatives have to be adequately funded; underlines , however , the differing capacity of member states to absorb the funds dedicated to healthcare programmes thus far; ### 125. emphasises that europe’s beating cancer plan should not only be seen as a political commitment to driving change but as a set of concrete and ambitious initiatives that will support , coordinate and complement member states’ efforts to reduce the suffering caused by cancer; encourages the commission to optimise the coherent implementation of the initiatives outlined in the plan , with clear guidance to the member states regarding concrete actions against unequal access to cancer diagnosis and treatment , as well as adequate funding; underlines the differing capacity of member states to absorb the funds dedicated to healthcare programmes thus far;


### 127. welcomes the funding plan of eur 4 billion and notes the complementarity of the sources of funding as set out in the plan itself; recalls that the plan will benefit from different sources of funding , such as the eu4health , horizon europe and digital europe programmes , cohesion policy funds , and the recovery and resilience facility; highlights the need to include the fight against cancer across all funding sources in a coherent and transparent manner; stresses , in particular , the importance of enhancing cancer research and cancer prevention and the need to dedicate more funds to them; ### 127. welcomes the funding plan of eur 4 billion and notes the complementarity of the sources of funding as set out in the plan itself; recalls that the plan will benefit from different sources of funding , such as the eu4health , horizon europe and digital europe programmes , cohesion policy funds , and the recovery and resilience facility; highlights the need to include the fight against cancer across all funding sources in a coherent and transparent manner; stresses , in particular , the importance of enhancing cancer research and cancer prevention and the need to dedicate more funds to them; stresses the need for the mobilisation of these funds by the member states to be free of political or economic conditionalities , in line with the needs identified by each country , and geared towards benefitting the public interest and public health services;


### 126. calls on the member states to ensure that enough funds are allocated for the appropriate implementation of the plan and of their respective nccps; considers that no more than 30 % of europe’s beating cancer plan should be allocated to the implementation of the nccps; ### 126. calls on the member states to ensure that enough funds and human resources are allocated for the appropriate implementation of the plan and of their respective nccps; considers that no less than 30 % of europe’s beating cancer plan should be allocated to the implementation of the nccps;


### a. whereas enlargement is the most effective eu foreign policy instrument and represents a geostrategic investment in long-term peace , democracy , stability and security throughout the continent; ### deleted


### a. whereas enlargement is the most effective eu foreign policy instrument and represents a geostrategic investment in long-term peace , democracy , stability and security throughout the continent; ### a. whereas eu enlargement policy substantially supports the promotion of peace and the spread of the eu’s fundamental values of respect for democracy , human rights , the rule of law and freedom of expression; whereas enlargement is the most effective eu foreign policy instrument and represents a geostrategic investment in long-term peace , democracy , security and stability throughout the continent;


### b. whereas albania is a reliable foreign policy partner , including through its engagement in the un security council; ### deleted


### d. whereas the fight against high-level corruption , malicious foreign interference , money laundering and organised crime is a european security issue that is crucial for albania’s eu accession; ### d. whereas the fight against high-level corruption , malicious foreign interference , money laundering and organised crime is a european security issue , linking together external and internal security , and is crucial for albania’s eu accession;


### f. whereas the eu remains the main political and economic partner of the western balkan countries; ### f. whereas the eu remains the main political and economic partner of the western balkan countries; whereas mis- and disinformation campaigns organised by third parties aim at presenting the eu as an unreliable , uninvolved partner for the western balkans countries;


### 1. welcomes albania’s steadfast commitment to eu integration , reflecting the consensus among political parties and overwhelming support among citizens; commends its solidarity and consistent , full alignment with the eu’s foreign and security policy , including its clear-cut response to the russian war of aggression against ukraine; ### 1. acknowledges albania’s steadfast commitment to eu integration , reflecting the consensus among political parties and overwhelming support among citizens;


### 2. encourages its policymakers to accelerate the reforms that enabled the first long overdue intergovernmental conference and a successful start to the screening process , and to demonstrate steady progress in guaranteeing democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights; urges decision-makers to work jointly towards meeting the membership criteria by 2030; stresses the need to strengthen the transparency , accountability and inclusiveness of the accession process , including its parliamentary dimension; ### 2. encourages its policymakers to accelerate the reforms that enabled the first long overdue intergovernmental conference and a successful start to the screening process , and to demonstrate steady progress in guaranteeing democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights; urges decision-makers to work jointly towards meeting the membership criteria by 2030; expresses concern about the unjustified delays in the accession process; stresses that structural and repeated postponements in the accession process risk to undermine the commitment of the western balkan countries and their citizens towards eu accession; stresses the need to strengthen the transparency , accountability and inclusiveness of the accession process , including its parliamentary dimension;


### 2. encourages its policymakers to accelerate the reforms that enabled the first long overdue intergovernmental conference and a successful start to the screening process , and to demonstrate steady progress in guaranteeing democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights; urges decision-makers to work jointly towards meeting the membership criteria by 2030; stresses the need to strengthen the transparency , accountability and inclusiveness of the accession process , including its parliamentary dimension; ### 2. calls on its policymakers to accelerate the reforms and to demonstrate steady progress in guaranteeing democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights; stresses the need to strengthen the transparency , accountability and inclusiveness of the accession process , including its parliamentary dimension;


### 6. calls on the albanian authorities to address the outstanding electoral and party financing recommendations well ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections; ### 6. calls on the albanian authorities to address the outstanding electoral and party financing recommendations well ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections in order to ensure a fair , open , and transparent electoral process;


### 12. condemns malign foreign interference and hybrid attacks , including disinformation , espionage , incitement to all forms of radicalisation and cyberattacks against albanian citizens and critical infrastructure; invites the authorities to prevent data leaks by considerably strengthening cybersecurity; ### 12. invites the authorities to prevent data leaks by considerably strengthening cybersecurity;


### 12. condemns malign foreign interference and hybrid attacks , including disinformation , espionage , incitement to all forms of radicalisation and cyberattacks against albanian citizens and critical infrastructure; invites the authorities to prevent data leaks by considerably strengthening cybersecurity; ### 12. condemns malign foreign interference and hybrid attacks , including disinformation , espionage , incitement to all forms of radicalisation and cyberattacks against albanian citizens and critical infrastructure; invites the authorities to prevent data leaks by considerably strengthening cybersecurity , acting in cooperation with the eu , its member states , and relevant nato structures; stresses the risks related to mis- and disinformation campaigns organised by third parties aiming at presenting the eu as an unreliable , uninvolved partner for the western balkans countries; calls on the european commission , the eeas , and albanian authorities to step up joint efforts in fighting such narratives;


### 13. notes the legal steps taken to eliminate discrimination against minorities , and calls for practical steps in order to ensure their inclusion , namely the inclusion of lgbti+ , roma and egyptian minorities; recalls the need to combat gender-based violence , step up child protection , adopt and implement legislation on minority rights , strengthen property rights and conduct a population census; underlines the importance of removing barriers to the socioeconomic inclusion of persons with disabilities; ### 13. recalls the need to step up child protection , adopt and implement legislation on minority rights , strengthen property rights and conduct a population census; underlines the importance of removing barriers to the socioeconomic inclusion of persons with disabilities;


### 16. underlines the importance of an inclusive framework for meaningful civil society engagement in decision-making processes; ### deleted


### 17. commends albania’s constructive engagement in inclusive regional and cross-border cooperation initiatives; welcomes the tangible progress reached in the context of the berlin process and the eu–western balkans summit in tirana; ### 17. commends albania’s constructive engagement in inclusive regional and cross-border cooperation initiatives; welcomes the tangible progress reached in the context of the berlin process and the eu–western balkans summit in tirana; stresses on the importance of making full use of all the regional and intergovernmental initiatives that are already existing , notably the adriatic ionian initiative (aii) , the central-european initiative (cei) , the eusair , and the berlin process , creating synergies among them;


### 17. commends albania’s constructive engagement in inclusive regional and cross-border cooperation initiatives; welcomes the tangible progress reached in the context of the berlin process and the eu–western balkans summit in tirana; ### 17. acknowledges albania’s constructive engagement in inclusive regional and cross-border cooperation initiatives; welcomes the tangible progress reached in the context of the berlin process and the eu–western balkans summit in tirana; calls on albania to respect the rights of the serbian minority living in albania and kosovo;


### 20. underlines the transformative nature of the substantial eu assistance provided under the ipa iii and the western balkans investment framework , including the youth guarantee in the western balkans; recalls that , in line with ipa iii conditionality , funding must be reduced or suspended in cases of backtracking or unjustified delays in the reform process; ### 20. underlines the transformative nature of the substantial eu assistance provided under the ipa iii and the western balkans investment framework , including the youth guarantee in the western balkans; recalls that under the economic and investment plan for the western balkans albania is included in 10 major flagship projects; urges to accelerate / speed up the implementation of these flagship projects for the benefit of all;


### a. whereas enlargement is the most effective eu foreign policy instrument and is a geostrategic investment in long-term peace; ### a. whereas eu enlargement policy substantially supports the promotion of peace and the spread of the eu’s fundamental values of respect for democracy , human rights , the rule of law and freedom of expression; whereas enlargement is the most effective eu foreign policy instrument and is a geostrategic investment in long-term peace , security and stability;


### d. whereas russia’s war of aggression against ukraine highlights the critical importance of eu enlargement; ### d. whereas russia’s war of aggression against ukraine highlights the critical importance of eu enlargement; whereas any hesitancy in moving further in the enlargement process would lead to a growing relevance of third actors that do not share our interests , values , and strategic objective , and that are already active in the region;


### d. whereas russia’s war of aggression against ukraine highlights the critical importance of eu enlargement; ### d. whereas russia’s war of aggression against ukraine highlights the critical importance of eu enlargement for the western balkans and the eu;


### e. whereas the fight against corruption , malicious foreign interference , money laundering and organised crime is a european security issue; ### e. whereas the fight against corruption , malicious foreign interference , money laundering and organised crime is a european security issue , linking together external and internal security;


### g. whereas the eu remains the main political and economic partner of the western balkan countries; ### g. whereas the eu remains the main political and economic partner of the western balkan countries; whereas mis- and disinformation campaigns organised by third parties aim at presenting the eu as an unreliable , uninvolved partner for the western balkans countries;


### h. whereas accession negotiations mark a new phase in eu–north macedonia relations; ### h. whereas the opening of accession negotiations mark a new phase in eu–north macedonia relations;


### 1. welcomes north macedonia’s consistent commitment to eu integration , which has been underpinned by steady progress on guaranteeing democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , while moving towards cross-cutting policy alignment; ### 1. welcomes north macedonia’s consistent commitment to eu integration , which has been based on the steady progress in the area of democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , while moving towards cross-cutting policy alignment;


### 4. expresses concern about the unjustified delays in the accession process; stresses the need to strengthen the process’s transparency , accountability and inclusiveness , including its parliamentary dimension; ### 4. expresses concern about the unjustified delays in the accession process;


### 4. expresses concern about the unjustified delays in the accession process; stresses the need to strengthen the process’s transparency , accountability and inclusiveness , including its parliamentary dimension; ### 4. expresses concern about the unjustified delays in the accession process; stresses that structural and repeated postponements in the accession process risk to undermine the eu credibility and therefore the commitment of the western balkan countries and their citizens towards the accession process; stresses the need to strengthen the process’s transparency , accountability and inclusiveness , including its parliamentary dimension;


### 5. compliments north macedonia for the tangible results in consolidating democracy; urges the country to intensify efforts to improve governance and access to justice; ### 5. compliments north macedonia for the tangible results in consolidating democracy; urges the country to commit and intensify efforts to improve governance and access to justice;


### 7. calls on the authorities to comprehensively address the outstanding electoral recommendations well ahead of the 2024 elections; ### 7. calls on the authorities to comprehensively address the outstanding electoral recommendations well ahead of the 2024 elections in order to ensure a fair , open , and transparent electoral process; stresses in particular the importance of removing all restrictions and barriers to provide de facto equal opportunities for people with disability to fully participate in elections according to the osce recommendations in its assessment of the electoral participation of people with disabilities and the election administration in north macedonia;


### 10. deplores the malign foreign interference and hybrid attacks , such as disinformation campaigns , cyberattacks and false bomb threats , directed against north macedonia’s institutions and citizens; invites the authorities to considerably strengthen north macedonia’s resilience against such threats; ### 10. deplores the malign foreign interference and hybrid attacks , such as disinformation campaigns , cyberattacks and false bomb threats , directed against north macedonia’s institutions and citizens; invites the authorities to considerably strengthen north macedonia’s resilience against such threats , acting in cooperation with the eu , its member states , and relevant nato structures; stresses the risks related to mis- and disinformation campaigns organised by third parties aiming at presenting the eu as an unreliable , uninvolved partner for the western balkans countries; calls on the european commission , the eeas , and north macedonian authorities to step up joint efforts in fighting such narratives;


### 15. notes north macedonia’s commitment to upholding civil liberties and fundamental rights; welcomes its progress towards eliminating all types of discrimination and ensuring equality; ### 15. notes north macedonia’s government efforts in upholding civil liberties and fundamental rights; welcomes its progress towards fighting all types of discrimination and ensuring equality;


### 16. urges the authorities to step up protection of vulnerable groups and the prosecution of domestic and online abuse and to improve services for the victims of violence; welcomes changes to the criminal code of north macedonia , covering crimes related to violence against women and the safety of journalists and insists on the need to strengthen north macedonia’s anti-discrimination commission and ombudsman’s office; ### 16. urges the authorities to step up protection of vulnerable groups and the prosecution of domestic and online abuse and to improve services for the victims of violence; welcomes changes to the criminal code of north macedonia , covering crimes related to violence against women and the safety of journalists , as well as the adoption of the law on compensation of victims of crime; calls on the authorities to fight sexism and gender-based discrimination which particularly affect female journalists; and insists on the need to strengthen north macedonia’s anti-discrimination commission and ombudsman’s office and to effectively enforce the decisions of the anti-discrimination commission and follow-up on the ombudsman’s recommendations;


### 18. commends north macedonia’s well-established inter-community harmony and urges the country to sustain its long-standing commitment to multiculturalism and inclusion; ### 18. commends north macedonia’s well-established inter-community harmony and urges the country to sustain its long-standing commitment to multiculturalism and inclusion , including through implementing the strategy “one society for all”;


### 19. notes the government of north macedonia’s improving engagement with civil society , while ensuring inclusive consultations and transparency; ### 19. notes the government of north macedonia’s efforts to increase engagement with civil society and urges the authorities to further improve engagement while ensuring inclusive consultations and transparency , in particular through restoring communication and dialogue with the council for cooperation between the government and cso; encourages public authorities to make funding available and accessible to civil society organizations;


### 20. acknowledges north macedonia’s enabling environment for media freedom and urges the authorities to ensure transparency of media ownership , financing and political advertising , as well as the public broadcaster’s and the media regulator’s ability to operate independently; recalls the need to counter political interference and foreign and home-grown disinformation and manipulative narratives; deplores threats and attacks against journalists; ### 20. acknowledges north macedonia’s enabling environment for media freedom and urges the authorities to ensure transparency of media ownership , financing and political advertising , as well as the public broadcaster’s and the media regulator’s ability to operate independently; recalls the need to counter political interference and foreign and home-grown disinformation and manipulative narratives; deplores threats and attacks against journalists , which affect particularly women journalists and lgbti+ journalists;


### 22. commends the country’s constructive engagement as part of inclusive regional cooperation initiatives and welcomes the tangible progress reached under the berlin process and the eu-western balkans summit in tirana; ### 22. commends the country’s constructive engagement as part of inclusive regional cooperation initiatives and welcomes the tangible progress reached under the berlin process and the eu-western balkans summit in tirana; stresses on the importance of making full use of all the regional and intergovernmental initiatives that are already existing , notably the adriatic ionian initiative (aii) , the central-european initiative (cei) , the eusair , and the berlin process , creating synergies among them;


### a. whereas enlargement is the eu’s most effective foreign policy instrument and represents a geostrategic investment in lasting peace , stability and security; ### a. whereas enlargement is the eu’s most effective foreign policy instrument and represents a geostrategic investment in lasting peace , stability and security; whereas eu enlargement policy substantially supports the promotion of peace and the spread of the eu’s fundamental values of respect for democracy , human rights , the rule of law and freedom of expression , thus serving the eu’s interests at best;


### b. whereas the citizens of bosnia and herzegovina (bih) aspire towards euro-atlantic integration for sustainable peace , democracy and prosperity; ### b. whereas the future of the western balkan countries lies in the european union; whereas the citizens of bosnia and herzegovina (bih) aspire towards euro-atlantic integration for sustainable peace , democracy and prosperity; whereas accession to the eu remains a strategic priority for bih and its people; whereas structural and repeated postponements in the accession process risk to undermine the commitment of the western balkan countries and their citizens towards eu accession;


### f. whereas malign foreign interference aims to destabilise bih; ### f. whereas malign foreign interference could lead to irregularities in the functioning of the institutions of bih;


### f. whereas malign foreign interference aims to destabilise bih; ### f. whereas malign foreign interference aims to destabilise bih; whereas any hesitancy in moving further in the enlargement process would lead to a growing relevance of third actors that do not share our interests , values , and strategic objective , and that are already active in the region; whereas mis- and disinformation campaigns organised by third parties aim at presenting the eu as an unreliable , uninvolved partner for the western balkans countries;


### 1. welcomes the european council's decision to grant candidate status to bih; reiterates its clear support for bih’s eu integration , grounded in unity , sovereignty and territorial integrity; ### 1. welcomes the european council's decision to grant candidate status to bih; reiterates its clear support for bih’s eu integration , grounded in unity , sovereignty and territorial integrity; stresses that structural and repeated postponements in the accession process risk to undermine the commitment of the western balkan countries and their citizens towards eu accession;


### 7. supports bih’s sustained aspirations towards euro-atlantic integration and nato membership; ### 7. supports bih’s authorities and people sustained aspirations towards euro-atlantic integration and nato membership;


### 9. reiterates its call for targeted sanctions against destabilising actors in bih; ### 9. reiterates its call for targeted institutional measures against destabilising actors in bih;


### 9. reiterates its call for targeted sanctions against destabilising actors in bih; ### 9. reiterates its call for targeted sanctions through the eu global human rights sanctions regime against destabilising actors in bih;


### 10. condemns malign foreign interference by third actors in bih , notably russia’s destabilisation of the western balkans; ### 10. condemns malign foreign interference by third actors in bih , notably russia’s destabilisation of the western balkans; is alarmed by the mis- and disinformation campaings organised by third actors that aim at depicting the eu as an unrealiable , uninterested partner for the western balkan countries; calls on the european commission , the eeas , and bih authorities to step up joint efforts in fighting such narratives;


### 25. welcomes bih’s active participation in regional cooperation; welcomes the recent agreements in the context of the berlin process; ### 25. welcomes bih’s active participation in regional cooperation; welcomes the recent agreements in the context of the berlin process; stresses on the importance of making full use of all the regional and intergovernmental initiatives that are alsready existing , notably the adriatic ionian initiative (aii) , the central-european initiative (cei) , the eusair , and the berlin process , creating synergies among them;


### 27. deplores discrimination , segregation , violence and hate speech against minorities , and urges effective prosecution of such cases; calls on bih to safeguard and promote the countrywide rights of all minorities; ### 27. deplores discrimination , segregation , violence and hate speech against minorities , and urges effective prosecution of such cases; calls on bih to safeguard and promote the countrywide rights of all minorities; calls for a higher degree of protection of the roma minority , to put an end to discriminatory practices and to promote and protect the rights of the roma community;


### 31. reiterates the need for solidarity-based migration and asylum management and a fair distribution of reception capacities; welcomes the opening of negotiations on bih’s upgraded status agreement with the european border and coast guard agency; regrets persisting shortcomings in migration and border management; calls on bih to fully align with the eu’s visa policy; ### 31. welcomes the opening of negotiations on bih’s upgraded status agreement with the european border and coast guard agency; welcomes improvementes made in migration and border management and encourages the handling of remaining shortcomings; calls on bih to fully align with the eu’s visa policy;


### 1. underlines that the eu’s defence sector is fragmented , which creates strategic vulnerabilities for the union , member states and industry; is concerned about the lack of coordination and calls for more strategic cohesion in security and defence policies at union level; welcomes , in this context , the commission’s launch of the european defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (edirpa) and encourages the commission and member states to take this initiative a step further and strive towards a de facto military union supported by a strongly articulated common market for defence equipment , followed by a review of the treaties for more eu competences on critical technologies for defence , innovation in defence , and security and defence affairs; ### 1. underlines that the eu’s defence sector is fragmented , which creates strategic vulnerabilities for the union , member states and industry; is concerned about the lack of coordination and calls for more strategic cohesion in security and defence policies at union level; welcomes , in this context , the commission’s launch of the european defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (edirpa) and encourages the commission and member states to take this initiative a step further and strive towards a de facto military union supported by a stronger and more competitive european defence and technological industrial base (editb) , a strongly articulated common market for defence equipment , followed by a review of the treaties for more eu competences on critical technologies for defence , innovation in defence , and security and defence affairs;


### 2. calls on the relevant eu bodies to consolidate eu cooperative frameworks for developing cutting-edge military capabilities and for eu-level legislation to coordinate member states’ strategies for critical technologies and to reduce dependencies; ### 2. calls on the relevant eu bodies to consolidate eu cooperative frameworks for developing cutting-edge military capabilities and for eu-level legislation to coordinate member states’ strategies for critical technologies and to reduce dependencies , thus supporting the achievement of a european strategic autonomy;