Nicosia: Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the EU is set to present a significant initiative for the establishment of a European Centre of Clinical Excellence for pharmaceuticals. This announcement will be made on February 26, 2026, in Nicosia, during the Informal Meeting of EU Health Ministers.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the initiative seeks to enhance transparency, improve decision-making processes, and strengthen the cohesion of European health systems across the continent. A relevant paper prepared by the Presidency will facilitate discussion and exchange of views among the participants.
The Informal Meeting of Health Ministers, scheduled for February 25 and 26, 2026, is organized as part of Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the EU. It is expected to gather Health Ministers from the EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, along with EU Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Oliv©r V¡rhelyi, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, and the Executive Director of the European Medicines Agency.
The meeting serves as a platform for discussing contemporary challenges in the health sector and strengthening a common European approach. The shared goal is to ensure sustainable access to medicines, medical technologies, and high-quality care for European citizens, even during crises.
The second part of the meeting will emphasize the EU's role and leadership in mental health and inclusiveness, focusing particularly on young people. These discussions will build on the conclusions of the High-Level Conference on Mental Health and Inclusiveness held in Nicosia on January 27, 2026.
The meeting will conclude with a working lunch that addresses the effective implementation of the European Health Data Space (EHDS). Discussions will highlight the tool's importance in interconnecting health systems and identify areas needing further support, such as the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, interoperability challenges, and the transition towards an integrated European Health Union.
On the afternoon of February 25, Ministers and key representatives from the EU and WHO will tour Nicosia's old town, followed by an official dinner. Heads of delegations are scheduled to arrive at the Conference Centre on February 26 between 08:30 and 09:00, with the meeting starting at 09:00. A press conference is scheduled for 15:30, to be led by Minister of Health Neophytos Charalambides and Commissioner Oliv©r V¡rhelyi.