Advocacy EMSP Events

Patient Voices: Shaping the Future of European Healthcare

07.02.2025

As we reflect on the recent EU Health Summit, in the context of assessing the new priorities set by the European Institutions, one thing becomes crystal clear: the future of European healthcare must be built on the foundation of meaningful and effective patient engagement. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, including overwhelmed hospitals, The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, particularly highlighting inadequate emergency preparedness, supply chain weaknesses and stark disparities in treatment access across different regions and socio-economic groups.  As European institutions set their new priorities, these hard-learned lessons offer a unique opportunity to reshape healthcare with patients at its center.

Redefining Priorities in European Healthcare 

While European policymakers acknowledges that health is fundamental to Europe’s security, prosperity, and competitiveness, recent actions send mixed signals. The 20% budget reduction in the EU4Health Programme is particularly concerning, as it contradicts the recognition that health is not merely an economic investment but a fundamental right.  The current European health landscape demands immediate attention to several critical areas: 

• Antimicrobial Resistance: A growing threat that requires coordinated action across member states
• Health Inequalities: Addressing disparities in access to care and health outcomes
• Climate Change Impact: Understanding and mitigating environmental effects on health
•  Digital Transformation: Ensuring the transition to digital healthcare benefits all patients
• Sustainable Healthcare Systems: Building resilient, patient-centered care models 

The path to a stronger European Health Union lies in better coordination, joint targets, and strategic investments. Initiatives like the joint procurement of medicines and the implementation of the HTA Regulation demonstrate progress, but more must be done to ensure equitable access to high-quality care. In this evolving healthcare landscape, patient organisations have emerged as crucial drivers of meaningful change. Through their direct connection to those most affected by healthcare policies, these organisations play an irreplaceable role in driving innovation and building a healthier Europe. Our focus extends beyond industry competitiveness – we ensure that innovation delivers real value by: 

• Providing crucial input throughout the medicines lifecycle
• Improving clinical trial outcomes and trust in new treatments
• Offering decision-makers insights into real-world challenges
• Advocating for patient-centric healthcare systems
• Priority areas for European Patient Organisations 

Enhancing Patient Organisation Involvement in Research and Innovation 

To strengthen patient involvement in research and life sciences innovation, Patient organisations need three key elements to effectively influence European healthcare policy: formalised institutional frameworks modeled on EMA’s engagement system, capacity-building support through training programs, and a more stable funding environment. Specifically, EU4Health should provide institutionalised operating grants with reduced administrative burdens and co-funding requirements, allowing these organisations to focus on improving healthcare outcomes rather than managing financial uncertainty. 

The success of Europe’s health initiatives depends on putting patients first. This means balancing industry competitiveness with accessibility to care and embedding patients’ lived experiences at the core of every policy decision. Patient organisations stand ready to contribute their expertise and ensure that healthcare remains at the heart of a stronger, more competitive Europe. The time for action is now because without prioritising people, there can be no meaningful progress.