“Health is not only a social priority. It is a strategic investment in Europe’s resilience, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity,” Health Minister, Neophytos Charalambides said in his opening remarks during the session of the Informal Meeting of EU Health Ministers in Nicosia on Thursday, which was taking place within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.
“The Cyprus Presidency assumes its responsibilities at a time of complex and multi-layered challenges, including geopolitical tensions, economic pressures, social inequalities, and environmental risks that directly impact the lives of European citizens,” Charalambides noted, adding that “our vision for health in Europe, is based on solidarity, equality, innovation and social cohesion, the fundamental values of our Union.”
He also stressed that “the Cyprus Presidency approaches health as a cornerstone for development. With a spirit of cooperation, I cordially invite you to work towards a better European Health Union for our people.”
The Minister noted the need to focus on greater resilience, stronger cohesion, and enhanced strategic autonomy of Europe, “to ensure access to its citizens for medicines, technologies, and quality care, regardless of urgent threats or external crises,” and added that the “aim is to strengthen the European Health Union, ensuring that no European citizen is let behind when it comes to fair and high-quality health care.”
“We are called jointly to share an ambitious, coherent and people-centered European health policy, that will make a tangible improvement in the lives o European citizens,” he continued, noting that “the Presidency attaches particular value to this spirit off trust, dialogue and mutual respect, on the critical legislative and policy issues before us.”
Presenting the Meeting’s agenda, Charalambides said that it addresses the “crucial area of mental health and inclusiveness, particularly for young people.”
He also said that they will present “an initiative for the establishment of a European Center of Clinical Excellence for pharmaceuticals, as a tool to enhance transparency, the quality of decisions and the coherence of European health systems.”
“We also aspire to contribute in the effective implementation of the European Health Data Space, as this is a key instrument for connecting health systems, fostering artificial intelligence, and enabling the transition towards a truly integrated Health Union,” he added.
“Health is not only a social priority. It is a strategic investment in Europe’s resilience, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity,” the Minister concluded, reaffirming the Cypriot Presidency’s commitment “to strengthen prevention, quality of care and scientific excellence across the Union.”
(Source: CNA)
