The European Union of Private Hospitals (UEHP) welcomes the ambitious and comprehensive health framework outlined in the programme of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
We subscribe to the aim to “promote actions that improve the daily lives of European citizens by strengthening access to and availability of medical products, fostering innovation, and enhancing the resilience and integration of health systems across the EU, in line with the vision of a truly autonomous European Health Union.”
By adopting a structured and forward-looking approach to health policy, the Presidency contributes to strengthening the ambitions of the European Health Union and to firmly placing workforce planning, system resilience and access to medicines on the EU agenda.
Aligned Health Priorities
Health is set to feature prominently on the Presidency’s agenda, with a particular emphasis on the promotion of mental health. The focus on inclusion and the active involvement of stakeholders in policy development present valuable opportunities for dialogue and future cooperation with organisations active in this field.
Ensuring adequate funding for health programmes under the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will also be a priority, particularly in light of growing concerns regarding limited budgetary prospects. We reiterate the importance of adequate funding for the digital transition (including Artificial Intelligence in healthcare) and that European funds should be non-discriminatory among healthcare providers.
Continuity will be ensured for the EU Cardiovascular Health Action Plan, alongside strengthened cooperation with international partners, including the World Health Organization, to address emerging health threats. The Presidency also intends to promote the implementation of the European Health Data Space, further integrating health systems and advancing the completion of the European Health Union. We also hope that the issues of interoperability and cybersecurity will be pursued through dialogue with all partners in the healthcare systems.
Addressing Europe’s Health Workforce Crisis
Europe continues to face a severe and persistent shortage of health professionals, impacting care delivery in every Member State. Insufficient investment, fragmented long-term planning and inadequate preparation have weakened health systems’ capacity to respond effectively to demographic change. As Europe’s population ages and the active workforce shrinks, the sustainability of healthcare provision—and the resilience of the European social model—are increasingly under strain.
Throughout this challenging period, private hospitals across Europe have remained fully committed to supporting healthcare systems by providing essential capacity and continuity of care. UEHP reiterates that strong, structured collaboration between public and private healthcare providers is indispensable for the effective functioning of national health systems and for the successful implementation of EU-level health initiatives. The objective is better access for patients, without delay, in favour of early diagnosis and expertise for quality services.
Looking Ahead
Overall, UEHP considers the Cypriot Presidency’s programme to reflect a comprehensive and balanced approach to health policy, offering multiple areas for timely and constructive engagement. Early dialogue with EU institutions and stakeholders will be essential to advance shared priorities and to ensure resilient, accessible and sustainable healthcare systems across Europe. It is necessary to develop a new approach to resource optimization, which involves a strategic agreement with providers to define and implement efficient solutions.
In this regard, the UEHP and private hospitals in Europe are available to the Cypriot Presidency to work together on these various issues and participate in the work to be developed in the coming semester, for the benefit of the health of European citizens.
Read our full press release here.
