The EESC has called for a European flagship initiative for health, proposing the creation of a European Health Union and urging the European Commission to publish an Action Plan on Rare Diseases with clearly achievable targets.

During a debate on ‘A European flagship initiative for health’ held at its October plenary, the EESC called for the EU to launch an ambitious initiative, aiming to build a cross-cutting health architecture within the EU. Creating a European Action Plan on Rare Diseases (ARPD) was also on the agenda.

Opening the debate, EESC President Oliver Röpke stated: ‘It is crucial that everyone living in the EU have access to quality healthcare that is affordable and accessible. We need to invest in innovative and sustainable health systems and take firm action to combat health inequalities both within the EU and globally. Rare diseases make persisting inequalities and vulnerabilities even more visible. This is why we need comprehensive European action on rare diseases.’

The rapporteur of the opinion on the European flagship initiative for health, Alain Coheur, said: ‘Today, we are trying to adopt a roadmap for future EU commissioners which promotes healthcare for all and protects people against future crises.’ Ágnes Cser, rapporteur of the opinion on rare diseases, added: ‘We have to come up with an action plan. However, we must not solely focus on the rare diseases action plan but on health as well – health is the key to competitiveness. Our health union cannot remain an empty phrase.’

The opinion on the European flagship initiative for health sets out strategic pillars to strengthen solidarity and cooperation between Member States on health. Among these is the establishment of a European care and healthcare guarantee which would set out multiannual health objectives at EU level. This could lead to the creation of a legally binding text (such as a directive).

Another pillar is the implementation of the One Health approach which links human, animal, plant and environmental policies. The opinion on tackling rare diseases calls on the Commission to publish a communication containing a comprehensive European Action Plan on Rare Diseases (APRD), which sets out SMART targets that can be achieved by 2030. (lm)