3.L. Round table: Outcomes from a public debate on the future health priorities of the European Union
Authors:   Organised by: European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies,   Chair persons: Matthias Wismar (European Observatory), Josep Figueras (European Observatory)
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective and background
In the run up to the European elections, the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies facilitated a public debate on the future health priorities of the European Union. The purpose of the debate was to provide insights to the European Commission on the views of stakeholders and the public health community with regards to the future of the European Health Union (EHU). The EHU was established as a comprehensive health systems and public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring enhanced budgets, expanded mandates for existing bodies, and the introduction of new entities like the Health Emergency Response Authority (HERA) alongside new strategies.

Methods
The methodology for this comprehensive debate included workshops and plenary sessions at various conferences like the 2023 EUPHA conference in Dublin, an interactive webinar series, and a detailed stakeholder survey featuring both closed and open-ended questions. Data was collected and analyzed using diverse qualitative and quantitative tools, including AI-driven analysis of survey responses.

Preliminary outcomes
Preliminary analysis shows that participants actively engaged in the debate, and mostly expressed support for the EHU’s achievements to date. There was a consensus on the significant value added by the EHU, with many advocating for stronger EU action on a range of discussion topics. Stakeholders and the public health community could also relate to the discussion framework designed to guide the public debate, which included nine topics: enhancing health security; addressing the determinants of health through Health in All Policies and Health for All Policies; supporting health system transformation; enhancing the labour market for health and care workers; achieving universal health coverage; implementing digital solutions and AI; improving the performance and resilience of health systems; addressing long-term challenges, such as population ageing or climate change; and strengthening the EU’s global voice and leadership. The importance placed on these topics varied among different groups. Young participants prioritized climate-related actions, the public health community emphasized addressing the determinants of health, and policymakers concentrated on issues related to health system resilience, universal coverage, and transformation. Digital solutions and AI were recognized as crucial, but they were typically considered integral and transversal to broader issues rather than standalone priorities. The debate also surfaced priorities not initially included in the discussion framework, such as health promotion, prevention, and equity within health systems, which were repeatedly highlighted.

Key messages
• The debate on the EU’s future health priorities demonstrates that stakeholders and the public health community acknowledge the value of the EHU and would like to see further action to build on it.
• Stakeholders and the public health community have formulated concrete action to take the EHU further.

Speakers/Panelists
Giada Scarpetti
TU Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Caroline Costongs
EuroHealthNet, Brussels, Belgium
Isabel de La Mata
DG SANTE, European Commission, Luxembourg, Luxembourg