Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides has presented the priorities of the Cyprus EU Presidency in the field of public health at the European Parliament, emphasizing that health is a cornerstone of European resilience, social cohesion, and the Union’s strategic autonomy.
Speaking before the Committee on Public Health (SANT), Minister Charalambides on 2 February thanked members for their contribution to shaping a people-centered European health policy. He stressed that the Presidency aims to foster close cooperation between the European Parliament, the Council, and the European Commission.
He added that this cooperation is also essential for addressing critical humanitarian issues and health policies affecting everyone, particularly during periods of complex geopolitical and socio-economic challenges.
An autonomous Union open to the world
As President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides has highlighted, Minister Charalambides continued, Europe’s response to this unstable environment focuses on enhancing resilience, cohesion, and strategic autonomy. Referring to the central message of the Cyprus Presidency, 'An autonomous Union open to the world,' he noted that it reflects an approach combining internal strength and independence with outward engagement, cooperation, and international action.
Regarding health, the Minister stressed that autonomy is the keyword for the Presidency. “The Union’s ability to ensure citizens’ access to medicines, technologies, and quality care, regardless of urgent threats or external crises,” he explained, is paramount.
Minister Charalambides underlined that the Cyprus Presidency promotes a vision for health in the Union based on solidarity, equality, innovation, and social cohesion—the Union’s fundamental values. He emphasized that the goal is for no European citizen to be denied fair and quality healthcare.
The Minister noted that, in this context, a key priority of the Presidency is improving the availability, affordability, and accessibility of medicines and medical devices, as well as strengthening the resilience of healthcare systems.
Pharmaceutical Package
On the legislative front, Minister Charalambides stated that the Cyprus Presidency will continue the work initiated by the Danish Presidency.
He announced that pending matters regarding the Pharmaceutical Package will be completed following the preliminary agreement of 11 December, aiming to enhance access to medicines across all Member States while maintaining the competitiveness of the industry.
Regarding the Regulation on Critical Medicines, the Minister noted that completing negotiations is a key priority of the Presidency. “The inaugural trilogue takes place today with the aim of reaching a political agreement before the end of the Cyprus Presidency,” he added.
He also emphasized that the Presidency will work intensively on targeted amendments to the Medical Devices Regulation and the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (MDR and IVDR) to ensure their availability and the attractiveness of the Union for development. The aim is to achieve substantial progress for submission of a report at the EPSCO Council in June.
Another key legislative file the Presidency will address is the European Biotechnology Act (Biotech Act), which Minister Charalambides described as a strategic tool to strengthen innovation, research, competitiveness, and resilience in the Union’s life sciences sector. He added that the Presidency will aim to reach a general approach agreement on the Directive and present a progress report on the Regulation at the EPSCO Council.
Preparedness Strategy
On the Union’s Preparedness Strategy, including the proposal for the Civil Protection Mechanism and support for health crises, Minister Charalambides emphasized that the Presidency will continue discussions on the relevant regulation, building on the work of the Danish Presidency, aiming for a general approach agreement.
He also highlighted that the Presidency places particular emphasis on mental health and inclusiveness, with a focus on young people, and will continue efforts for a “Comprehensive EU Approach.”
Regarding transparency, decision quality, and coherence in European health systems, the Minister stated that at the upcoming Informal Meeting of EU Health Ministers and Heads of Medicines Regulatory Authorities in Cyprus (26/02/26), the Presidency will present a proposal for the establishment of a European Centre of Clinical Excellence for Pharmaceutical Products. The Centre will provide scientific evaluations of clinical evidence and support joint clinical assessment reports under the EU Health Technology Assessment Regulation. The initiative is already under consultation with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
Minister Charalambides also stressed the Presidency’s focus on effectively implementing the European Health Data Space (EHDS), which is a key tool for connecting health systems, advancing artificial intelligence, and transitioning toward a fully integrated European Health Union. This topic will be promoted through a dedicated event in Cyprus and included as a discussion item at the Informal EU Health Ministers’ meeting.
22 health-related meetings and conferences in Cyprus
The Cyprus Presidency will host 22 health-related meetings and conferences in Cyprus, including the Informal Meeting of Health Ministers in February, and 15 additional events under the Presidency’s auspices.
In line with the overarching goal of the Cyprus Presidency, “An autonomous Union open to the world,” the Minister said work will continue to strengthen cooperation with third countries, international, and regional organizations, which is essential to address emerging health threats.
Praising the role of the World Health Organization, he said it remains crucial for global health resilience. He added that the EU and its Member States play a central role in strengthening international health security and preparedness. In this context, the Presidency will advance the Pandemic Accord Annex on Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS), which the European Commission negotiates on behalf of the EU.
The Minister noted that the Presidency aims to secure a broad consensus within the EU and with WHO member states to finalize the annex in time for adoption at the World Health Assembly in May.
No citizen should be left behind
In statements after the SANT Committee session, he explained that autonomy in health means leaving no citizen behind. This entails availability, affordability, and meaningful access to medicines and medical devices, as well as resilient health systems, fully aligned with the Cyprus Presidency’s motto, “An autonomous Union open to the world.”
He stressed that intensive efforts are underway to advance critical legislative files, from the Pharmaceutical Package and Critical Medicines to medical devices and biotechnology. Complementary tools include promoting the Safe Hearts Plan and presenting a proposal to establish a European Center of Clinical Excellence for Medicines.
He also emphasized special attention to mental health and inclusiveness, focusing on young people, and strengthening the implementation of the European Health Data Space as a tool for connectivity, innovation, and AI development for the benefit of citizens.
Finally, he underlined the Presidency’s commitment to cooperating with the European Parliament to achieve tangible and ambitious results for a stronger, fairer, and more resilient European Health Union.
(Source: CNA)
