The European Commission has presented a wide-ranging package of proposals aimed at improving health outcomes across Europe and making the EU’s healthcare system more modern, efficient, and resilient.
The plans centre on three priorities:
Turning Europe into a biotech powerhouse
The Commission is proposing a new Biotech Act to strengthen innovation and expand Europe’s biotechnology capacity. Key measures include:
- a new EU investment facility to help biotech companies access funding more easily
- targeted support for high-impact projects to scale up bio-manufacturing
The package also aims to accelerate cross-border clinical trial approvals, fast-track the development of next-generation therapies, and streamline EU rules to reduce costs for businesses.
Taking on cardiovascular disease with a “Safe Hearts” plan
A new “Safe Hearts” plan targets cardiovascular disease—Europe’s leading cause of death—through EU-funded actions designed to improve prevention, earlier detection, and better treatment. The plan would also:
- help people with personalised risk prediction tools and tailored therapies
- close research gaps using artificial intelligence and digital health solutions
- reduce health inequalities and improve access to care
Cutting red tape for medical devices
The Commission also plans to simplify EU medical device rules to reduce unnecessary costs, give companies more clarity, and shorten delays for patients. Steps include more digital procedures and clearer timelines for conformity assessments to speed up access.
A strengthened European Medicines Agency would also monitor device shortages and develop a list of critical medical devices.
Overall, the Commission says the combined measures are designed to protect patients’ health and safety while strengthening the long-term resilience and competitiveness of Europe’s health sector.