New Health Programme ‘EU4Health’
In May 2020, the Commission proposed a new, stand-alone health programme for 2021-2027 called the ‘EU4Health Programme’, aimed at strengthening health systems and countering the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. In December 2020, Parliament and the Council agreed on an ambitious Health Programme, giving the EU and the Member States the tools to promote health, prevent diseases and improve coordination in time of crisis. The programme was launched on 26 March 2021.
ENVI was the lead Committee and adopted its report on 14 October 2020, and in Plenary on 13 November 2020. A provisional interinstitutional agreement was reached in December 2020 and the agreed text was adopted in ENVI on 14 January 2021. On 9 March 2021, the text was adopted in Plenary, with 631 votes in favour, 32 against and 34 abstentions, followed by adoption by the Council on 18 March 2021. The final act is published in the EU Official Journal.
A key success for Parliament was raising the budget to €5.1 billion, from €1.7 billion as proposed by Member States, to ensure sufficient funding to deliver on ambitious goals. The final text emphasises disease prevention, reducing inequalities and increasing healthcare system resilience as well as addressing shortcomings highlighted during the coronavirus pandemic. The establishment of a Steering Group of independent health experts and supporting the creation of the European Health Data Space through the programme were further priorities.
- Legislative Observatory
- Press Release – Adoption in Committee
- Press Release – Adoption in Plenary (November 2020)
- Press Release – Reach deal with Council
- Press Release – Adoption in Plenary (March 2021)
- Text adopted by Parliament
- Text published in Official Journal
- Health threats: boosting EU readiness and crisis management
- Commission – EU4Health
Rapporteur
Cristian BUŞOI (EPP)
Shadow Rapporteurs: Sara CERDAS (S&D), Véronique TRILLET-LENOIR (RENEW), Luisa REGIMENTI (ID), Michele RIVASI (Greens/EFA), Joanna KOPCIŃSKA (ECR), Katerina KONEČNÁ (GUE/NGL)