Last 3-4 November 2025, the European Specialist Nurses Organisation (ESNO), UEHP and Cancer Patient Europe organized an in-depth exchange on the retention of health professionals, with a strong focus on the nursing profession.
Hosted by MEP Andras Kulja, this inspiring meeting brought together representatives from leading European nursing, patients and healthcare providers organizations, reflecting on how we can move from discussing nurse shortages to realizing the workforce potential.
Featuring speakers from the WHO, the European institutions and te Observatory on Health Systems, the dialogue explored how recognition, education, and investment in health professionals are essential for building a resilient and sustainable health workforce in Europe.
Our president, Mr Gaspar, and our Secretary General, Ms Giannico, delivered the private hospitals perspective, stressing that UEHP welcomes the INI draft report on tackling the healthcare workforce crisis of the European parliament. We need to address this issue in a systemic and comprehensive way, making sure that all stakeholders are heard and supported, working altogether to deliver effective and safe care to our patients.
Europe faces a critical test: how to ensure that our health systems remain resilient, accessible, and sustainable, not only through investment in technology and infrastructure, but above all through investment in people.
We do need more health professionals, we need do (re)think the roles of the different professionals and we need to think in what ways AI can give us an help in terms of efficiency but also in terms of better HR management and better conditions for the professionals.
The shortage of health professionals is not just a staffing issue: it is a question of strategic sovereignty and social cohesion. It calls for coordinated action at all levels (European, national, and local) and for dialogue between all actors: policymakers, professionals, unions and providers, both public and private.
Private hospitals across Europe are committed partners in this effort. We represent a vital part of the European health ecosystem, delivering care, creating employment, investing in innovation, and working alongside public institutions to meet growing demand.
We believe that workforce policies must be inclusive of all sectors and that public–private cooperation is essential if Europe wants to attract, train and retain health professionals.
This gathering served as a platform for discussion on broader engagement and shared commitment to shaping the future of Europe’s health workforce. Together, we are turning challenges into opportunities, unlocking the full workforce potential.
