Regulation (EU) 2021/522 establishing a Programme for the Union’s action in the field of health (‘EU4Health Programme’) for the period 2021-2027

What it is

to establish a programme for the Union’s action in the field of health for the period 2021-2027 (EU4Health programme). PROPOSED ACT: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the European Parliament decides in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure on an equal footing with the Council. BACKGROUND: while Member States are responsible for their health policies, the experience gained during the COVID-19 crisis has shown the need to significantly strengthen the EU's capacity to respond effectively to major health threats. Europe needs to give higher priority to health, to have health systems ready to provide state-of-the-art care and to be prepared to deal with epidemics and other unpredictable health threats, in line with the International Health Regulations (IHR). The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety adopted a report by Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO) on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of a Programme for the Union's action in the field of health for the period 2021-2027 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 282/2014 (EU4Health Programme). The severity of the COVID-19 pandemic pushed several health systems to breaking point within and outside of the Union. While the Union´s action in the field of health is limited, a separate and robust Programme shall have the capacity to deliver on future pandemics and health threats, and very importantly, make EU health systems more resilient, able to face current weaknesses, such as medicine shortages, antimicrobial resistance, health inequalities and support health sector in the digital transition. The committee recommended that the European Parliament’s position, adopted at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure, should amend the Commission proposal as follows. The proposed financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021-27 shall be EUR 10 398 000 000 in current prices (EUR 9 370 000 000 in constant prices). This budget shall be frontloaded, meaning that there is a need for clear and focused objectives. The administrative expenses related to indirect actions shall not exceed 5% of the total amount under the Programme. Members stressed that a holistic approach is needed to improve health outcomes, and EU policy-makers should ensure that the principle of 'health in all policies' is applied in all policy-making. In this regard, the proposed Programme shall pursue, inter alia , the following general objectives, in keeping with this principle: - improve and foster health in the Union, by supporting health promotion and disease prevention, reducing health inequalities and ensuring equal and full access to health; - protect people in the Union from any serious cross-border threats to health; - support the development and implementation of better preparedness and coordination within and between Member States as regards health emergencies; - support existing and future Union legislation and policies to restore pharmaceutical independence and address shortages; - strengthen the Union fight against cancer in synergy…

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