Non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes or cancer, cause most of the preventable illnesses and deaths in the EU. They are increasingly affecting younger people, with more children becoming inactive and obese. A new report on the state of health in the EU identifies addressing this concern as a critical area for improvement.
More broadly, the report shows that Europe urgently needs to invest in its health systems to improve Europeans’ healthcare. This would also boost competitiveness, thanks to a healthy workforce. EU countries are already carrying out critical reforms, funded by the EU, to their healthcare systems. The new report outlines four areas where challenges persist, and further action is needed.
Address the major health concern of non-communicable diseases
- the European Commission will present an EU cardiovascular health plan, targeting diabetes and obesity especially in younger generations
- continued action under Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, and Healthier Together initiative
Strengthen the backbone of EU health care
- EU countries should keep improving their systems to attract and retain primary care providers and develop new community-based care models
- EU Cohesion Funds and Recovery and Resilience Facility already support EU countries in improving access, coverage and continuity of primary care
Improve healthcare through technology
- all EU countries are now providing access to electronic health records and investments in ePrescriptions, AI integration, and digital governance are expanding
- continued EU investment in health-related ICT
Support EU competitiveness through affordable access to pharmaceuticals and innovation
- amid rising medicine prices and growing demand, EU countries have managed to carry out important pharmaceutical reforms to improve access and affordability of medicines, aligned with and supported by the reform of the EU's pharmaceutical legislation and the Health Technology Assessment regulation
Alongside the report, 29 Country Health Profiles have also been published, which cover the latest developments in health trends and health systems across all EU countries, plus Iceland and Norway.
For more information
State of Health in the EU
29 Country Health Profiles
Synthesis Report
Press release: Prevention, investment and reform in healthcare bring economic prosperity
- Publication date
- 11 December 2025
- Author
- Directorate-General for Communication
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