European Parliament – Special Committee on Cancer
The European Parliament has decided to set up three special committees lasting for one year, one of which is dedicated to the fight against cancer. All.Can welcomes this initiative which confirms that cancer is a top priority for the EU. For detailed information, see the proposal here.
EU4Health Programme
On 28 May, the European Commission presented its ‘EU4Health’ programme proposal, as part of the ‘Next Generation EU’ recovery plan in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
As a standalone programme with a substantial budget of €9.4 billion for 2021-2027, it represents a major paradigm shift without a treaty change that will address not only crisis preparedness and response, but also important long-term health challenges such as non-communicable diseases, including cancer. In line with the objectives of investing in public health and strengthening the resilience of health systems, disease prevention and health promotion will be among EU4Health’s key priorities.
EU Pharmaceutical Strategy
On 16 June, the European Commission launched a public consultation on the EU pharmaceutical strategy that will end on 15 September. The Strategy will be presented in a Commission Communication to be adopted by the end of 2020.
Incorporating the lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis, a holistic, patient-centred approach will be adopted, ensuring the supply of safe and affordable medicines to meet patients’ needs, the sustainability of health systems and supporting the European pharmaceutical industry so that it remains an innovator and world leader. The Strategy will be aligned with the priorities outlined in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the European Green Deal and other relevant Commission initiatives.
On 14-15 July, DG SANTE will organise an online workshop to gather stakeholders’ views on the basis of questions in specific areas of the strategy. Interested stakeholders are invited to register by 3 July.
EU Health Coalition
All.Can recently joined the EU Health Coalition, a multi-stakeholder initiative seeking to map the future of healthcare in Europe and understand how different sectors can come together to deliver the best outcomes for patients in Europe.
In a recent statement, the EU Health Coalition welcomes the European Commission’s EU4Health proposal and calls for an ambitious programme to improve health outcomes through more efficient and inclusive health systems.
Interim Report: Conquering cancer – Mission possible
The interim report “Conquering Cancer: Mission possible” has just been released by the Horizon Europe Framework Programme (2021-2027) Mission on Cancer, a board of European experts invited by the European Commission, which cover cancer research, innovation, policy, healthcare provision and practice.
To deliver concrete solutions that address the burden of cancer, the Mission Board is proposing an ambitious goal: “By 2030, more than 3 million lives saved, living longer and better”. The Draft Mission outline presents 13 recommendations for bold actions to understand cancer, its risk factors and impact; to prevent what is preventable; to optimise diagnostics and treatment; and to support the quality of life of people living with and after cancer, while ensuring equitable access for all. It will be used as basis for a number of stakeholder and citizen engagement activities across Europe to define actions and strategies required to achieve this goal. See the interim report here.