How our health systems are doing: a work in progress and better prepared for future health crises

As the year draws to a close and we think about what we are grateful for or what we hope for the coming year, good health is something that springs to mind for pretty much everyone. At EU level this means making sure our health systems in Europe are fit to meet the current needs of European citizens, whilst also being better prepared for future health crises.

Two new reports have now been published showing that the EU is being successful in creating more forward-looking, resilient, robust and equitable health systems. At the same time, they also identify areas where further progress needs to be made, including on mental health.

The first of these reports, the yearly State of Health Preparedness Report, looks at EU actions taken since the pandemic to address cross-border health threats. In this regard, and amongst its findings, it notes that rules that have been in force for almost a year now have created a solid basis for more effective preparedness and coordinated response.

Meanwhile the State of Health in the EU report evaluates how health systems across the EU are performing. It identifies three areas in particular that need to be addressed in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights ways in which progress is being made. These three areas are mental health reforms, growing health inequalities across the Union, and continued investment in health.

For more information:

State of Health Preparedness Report 2023

State of Health in the EU: 2023 Report

European Health Union

Health crisis preparedness

A cancer plan for Europe

A comprehensive approach to mental health

Press release: Reports confirm the European Health Union is better prepared to combat health threats