EU4Health Civil Society Alliance Urges President von der Leyen to Prioritise Health in Upcoming Commissioner Nomination

On 25 September 2024, the EU4Health Civil Society Alliance, representing over 30 health organisations, submitted a letter to President Ursula von der Leyen. The letter expresses collective concerns regarding the upcoming nomination for the next Commissioner for Health.

The Alliance emphasised the need to prioritise health in the new European Commission and European Parliament mandates. They underscored that the nominated Commissioner must possess a relevant background to address the complexities of public health.

Key highlights of the letter include:

• Enhancement of the EU Health Union: The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the urgent need for a robust EU Health Union built on solidarity and coordination among member states.
• Community Engagement: The WHO has identified community involvement as essential for successful public health responses, particularly during health emergencies.
• Addressing Multiple Health Threats: The EU faces various health challenges, including climate change, rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and health disparities.
• Sustainable Funding: Recent cuts to the EU4Health budget indicate a concerning trend of deprioritising health, highlighting the need for investment in resilient healthcare systems.

The Alliance calls for assurance that the next Commissioner for Health will commit to an ambitious health agenda, build on previous progress, and collaborate effectively with civil society organisations.

Read the Letter.