Jasenko Selimovic, on behalf of the ALDE Group. – Mr President, by 2025 more than 20% of European citizens will be over 60. While increased life expectancy represents a significant resource to EU societies, it will also demand fundamental reforms of the health care sector as well as [engendering a] need to tackle a higher prevalence of injuries and diseases. Cyber physical systems (CPS), so-called healthcare robots, will incontestably be part of this solution. Robots and smart devices will be more and more incorporated into diagnosis, treatment and care at hospitals and healthcare centres. The development of new technological devices will lead to healthier societies and quicker recovery times, and will decrease the number of medical errors. Furthermore, CPS is a growing market in healthcare, and will create numerous jobs and businesses in the medical field. I therefore take a positive view of the major positive outcomes for the healthcare sector throughout the EU.

I therefore also support the report even if I found it sometimes fearful. In particular it mentioned the future discussion that will need to be had on the costs of medical secrecy, legal liability and patients’ privacy.