Eleonora Varntoumian, President of the seventh European Health Parliament

The European Health Parliament’s 7th edition developed its policy recommendations during unprecedented times, while Europe was experiencing recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change (from devastating wildfires to heavy flooding) and an ongoing war in the European region which caused a disruption of health and social services.

Marking 2022 as the European Year of the Youth, it was important more than ever for the European Health Parliament to find ambitious but realistic and actionable solutions for the creation of a resilient European Health Union and provide our input so we can better prepare and respond to future health emergencies and crises.

The Digital Health Transition and Governance Committee explored the impact of digital transformation in our societies and the critical challenges around data, accessibility, literacy and skills to ensure no one is left behind. Europe has a good opportunity to be a world leader in this area and set the scene when it comes to exchanging cross-border health data and building data infrastructure.

We all know that prevention is better than cure, which is why the Preventive and Self-Care Committee addressed NCDs with a holistic approach. This is how we can ensure that we keep European citizens healthier with relevant interventions in health risk factors such as alcohol and tobacco consumption, unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity.

The Future-Proofing Health Systems Committee challenged the current status quo in health by proposing to sign a strong political declaration by EU Institutions and all EU Member States under the current EU Council Presidency Trio to strengthen cross-border health collaboration.

In order to create resilient health systems, the Wellbeing of Healthcare Workers Committee put forward recommendations to create a cultural transformation and ensure work-life balance, mental health awareness and recognition of frontline health workers to avoid the ‘Great Resignation’.

Last but not least, the Sustainable Health Systems Committee examined how to move towards an environmentally neutral, economically fair, and socially inclusive health system in the EU. An important step towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

As you read through our policy recommendations, we would like to ask you to keep an open mind and consider their implementation at both national and EU levels, taking into consideration the different challenges, needs and requirements of each health system in order to reduce health inequalities and promote wellbeing for citizens and health workers across Europe.