A vision for health in the European Union

This statement has been updated on 15/04/2019. Please refer to the updated version.

OUR VISION FOR HEALTH IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

We believe that a Europe where all people are as healthy as they can be throughout their lives is possible. A Europe that promotes well-being for all people of all ages, and where people can live, work and age in sustainable and healthy environments. A Europe that supports timely access to affordable, high quality healthcare for all.

OUR COMMON ASKS FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION

The Lisbon Strategy includes a target of adding two healthy life years on average across the EU by 2020 – a target that still needs to be met. We need strong political leadership from the European Commission to achieve this goal. This requires a Commission Vice-President and a Directorate General dedicated to health, to ensure that health protection and promotion is guaranteed across all European Commission portfolios. Strong leadership on health will resonate with European citizens¹ and bring the EU closer to them, restoring people’s trust in the EU institutions.