As Europe experiences yet another unprecedented heatwave, one lesson has become impossible to ignore: many of the greatest challenges facing our health systems are no longer (just) national—they are European.
Extreme weather events do not stop at borders. Nor do demographic ageing, workforce shortages, rising demand for healthcare, or the increasing burden of chronic disease. These are shared realities that require shared solutions. The consequences of climate change are becoming more frequent and more severe, placing additional pressure on hospitals, emergency departments and health professionals across the continent. From Portugal to Poland, from Romania to France, health systems are being tested in remarkably similar ways.
Healthcare systems are national and bear an immense responsibility, but no single country can protect and guarantee the safety of its citizens on its own. Europe has demonstrated, through recent crises, that articulation and cooperation deliver better outcomes than isolation. The same principle must now guide how we prepare our health systems for a future in which climate resilience, emergency preparedness and capacity management will become defining priorities.
Private hospitals already form an essential part of Europe’s healthcare infrastructure. Every day, they provide care to millions of European citizens, invest in innovation, employ hundreds of thousands of health professionals and contribute to the resilience of national health systems. During periods of exceptional pressure—whether pandemics, natural disasters or seasonal peaks— private health providers have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to expand capacity, adapt quickly and work alongside public authorities.
The question is therefore not whether private providers have a role to play. They already do. And they can do much more if they are integrated into the plans that each health system is trying to develop.
The real question is whether governments and European institutions are prepared to make full use of all the available healthcare capacity. Resilient health systems are built on cooperation, not on artificial divisions between public and private providers. Citizens expect access to timely, high-quality care, regardless of who delivers it.
Public policy should reflect that expectation.
It is encouraging that the latest Eurobarometer once again confirms what Europeans have been saying consistently: health remains among the citizens highest priorities. Citizens clearly understand that protecting health is fundamental for theirs lives, of course, but also to Europe’s security, prosperity and social cohesion. Policymakers should listen carefully to that message. When Europeans ask for stronger health systems, they are not asking for ideological debates. They are asking for practical solutions that ensure care is available when it is needed most.
The European Union has made important progress through initiatives such as the European Health Union, the European Health Data Space and strengthened preparedness mechanisms. But these initiatives will only reach their full potential if they embrace the contribution of the entire healthcare ecosystem.
The next heatwave, the next public health emergency or the next demographic challenge is not a question of if, but when. Europe cannot afford to leave valuable capacity unused because of outdated assumptions or institutional barriers.
At UEHP, we remain convinced that Europe’s healthcare challenges require a global approach and inclusive partnerships. Private hospitals stand ready—as they always have—to work with governments, public providers and European institutions to strengthen the resilience of our health systems.
We recently had changes in the leadership of 3 national associations. We wish José Manuel Baltar from Spain, Sergiy But from Ukraine, and Arton Kubati from Kosovo all the best in their roles. The work of national private hospital associations is crucial in discussing the best health policy solutions. They can count on UEHP full support and cooperation.
Oscar Gaspar
President of UEHP
Read the full July 2026 newsletter HERE
