ECDA supports the vision advanced by different political groups on strengthening EU health competency and building a “European Union of health”, supported by countries like France.

We welcome the announcement of a “new, dedicated Health Program” by Commission President Von der Leyen.

Taking stock of the gaps that the crisis has revealed, we propose a series of measures in the following areas to progress EU action in the field of health:

1. Extending the role and capacities of the EU and international health advisory bodies: notably to extend the mandate of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to cover chronic non-communicable diseases.
2. Reinvigorating EU health action
3. Assessing and rethinking EU health competency

ECDA remains fully committed to supporting the European Commission in responding and recovering from the crisis, working together for a European Union that provides a high level of protection from major health challenges.

Read our full letter to the European Commission here.