Stella Kyriakides, the EU’s Health Commissioner for the past five years, has led efforts to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. While she did not always take on a central public role during the crisis, her team was responsible for vaccine procurement in Europe and the implementation of key legislations such as the EU’s Cancer Master Plan, smoking bans in outdoor areas, an action plan for mental health, and the creation of the EU Health Data Space. The healthcare sector is currently facing multiple challenges, including an ageing population, strained national healthcare systems, and an industry struggling to stay competitive. As the EU’s budget negotiations loom, there is a concern that health issues may be deprioritized in favor of defense, climate, and migration on the political agenda.
Brussels’ exit interviews, especially with commissioners handling complex portfolios where decision-making primarily lies with individual governments, can offer valuable insights. Kyriakides’ tenure as Health Commissioner has been marked by significant achievements, despite facing unprecedented challenges due to the global pandemic. Her team’s role in overseeing vaccine procurement and introducing important legislations highlights the crucial role played by the EU in addressing public health issues. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve and face new obstacles, such as an ageing population and strained national healthcare systems, it is imperative for policymakers to prioritize health and ensure its relevance on the political agenda.
As the EU gears up for budget negotiations, there is a concern that health issues may be overshadowed by other pressing concerns like defense, climate, and migration. Despite the progress made in addressing public health challenges during Kyriakides’ tenure, there is a risk that health may be deprioritized in favor of other key issues dominating the political agenda. The need to balance competing priorities and ensure continued focus on healthcare in the EU is crucial, especially given the ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of a robust public health infrastructure and the need for coordinated efforts at the EU level to address health issues effectively.
In an interview with Euronews, Kyriakides discussed her experiences as the EU’s Health Commissioner and the challenges faced during her tenure, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her efforts to oversee vaccine procurement and introduce key legislations reflect the EU’s commitment to addressing public health issues and ensuring the well-being of its citizens. The healthcare sector’s challenges, including an ageing population and strained national healthcare systems, highlight the need for continued focus on health policy and investment in public health infrastructure. As the EU prepares for budget negotiations, it is crucial to ensure that health issues do not take a backseat to other pressing concerns.
Today’s agenda in Brussels includes a key meeting at the European Parliament and two high-profile visits, emphasizing the importance of health policy in EU decision-making. The initiatives undertaken by Kyriakides and her team, such as the Cancer Master Plan and the European action plan for mental health, demonstrate the EU’s commitment to addressing critical public health issues. The healthcare sector’s complex challenges require coordinated efforts at the EU level to ensure effective responses to emerging health threats and ongoing health issues. As the EU navigates budget negotiations, it is important to prioritize health and ensure that it remains a central focus on the political agenda, alongside other key issues impacting the European public.
In conclusion, Stella Kyriakides’ tenure as the EU’s Health Commissioner has been marked by significant achievements in addressing public health challenges, despite the unprecedented obstacles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the EU prepares for budget negotiations, it is crucial to prioritize health issues and ensure continued investment in public health infrastructure. The healthcare sector’s evolving challenges, such as an ageing population and strained national healthcare systems, underscore the need for sustained focus on health policy at the EU level. By addressing key health issues and prioritizing public health, the EU can ensure the well-being of its citizens and effectively respond to emerging health threats in the future.
