The EU’s approach to health policy during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a game-changer according to health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides. In an interview with Euronews for the Euronews Health Summit, Kyriakides emphasized the importance of continuing to prioritize health at the top of the political agenda. She highlighted the creation of the European Health Union to enhance preparedness and resilience in health systems as one of the key achievements during her tenure. Kyriakides noted that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a paradigm shift in health policy, emphasizing the need to work together and coordinate as member states.
Moving forward, Kyriakides stressed the importance of integrating mental health into all policies, advancing initiatives like the Beating Cancer Plan, and maintaining a holistic approach to health that considers all related factors, including climate change. Despite the nomination of Hungary’s Oliver Varhelyi as Health Commissioner, who has limited experience in health, Kyriakides expressed confidence in the next Commission’s ability to implement health policies effectively. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Commission, the European Parliament, and the EU Council in developing comprehensive strategies over the next five years.
The Euronews Health Summit will focus on topics such as the European Health Data Space, the EU Critical Medicines Strategy, mental health, and the Beating Cancer Plan. Kyriakides highlighted the successful delivery of vaccines to all EU member states simultaneously during the pandemic as a proud achievement, and emphasized the need to maintain health as a top priority in EU politics.
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Photo credit www.euronews.com
