The Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group in the European Parliament have called for an increase in the European Union’s competence in relation to health policy, in a statement outlining a number of key asks. In the statement released by the group, the S&D group highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed the weaknesses of the instruments and powers available at an EU level to deal with matters relating to health.
They highlight that Article 168 of the Treaty stipulates that “a high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Community policies and activities”. The statement further notes that the European Court of Justice has ruled on numerous occasions that the EU can pursue public health objectives through internal market measures. In addition, it identifies existing EU engagement in heath policy including regulation of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, as well as through its own research and health programmes.
In the statement, the S&D calls for the creation of a European Health Union, which covers:
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Stress-testing of EU healthcare systems
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A new Directive for Minimum Standards for Quality Healthcare
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A European Health Response Mechanism
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Strengthened Joint Procurement Mechanism under a regulation
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Revision of the Transparency Directive for pricing and reimbursement of medicines
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Full implementation of the Cross Border Healthcare Directive and Clinical Trials Regulation
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Strengthened EU health agencies and strengthened civil protection capacities
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A European Health Data Space
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A new approach to European health research.
You can read the full call here: https://www.politico.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/European-Health-Union-SD-Position-FINAL1.pdf
