Brussels: Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides presented on Monday the priorities of the Cyprus EU Presidency in the field of public health at the European Parliament, emphasizing that health is a cornerstone of European resilience, social cohesion, and the Union's strategic autonomy.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Minister Charalambides addressed the Committee on Public Health (SANT), where he expressed gratitude to the members for their role in shaping a people-centered European health policy. He highlighted the Presidency's goal of fostering close cooperation between the European Parliament, the Council, and the European Commission, particularly in addressing critical humanitarian issues and health policies amid complex geopolitical and socio-economic challenges.
Minister Charalambides reiterated President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides's focus on enhancing resilience, cohesion, and strategic autonomy in response to an unstable environment. The central message of the Cyprus Presidency, 'An autonomous Union open to the world,' reflects a strategy combining internal strength and independence with outward engagement and international cooperation.
The Minister stressed that health autonomy is a key priority, emphasizing the Union's ability to ensure citizens' access to medicines, technologies, and quality care during urgent threats or external crises. The Cyprus Presidency aims to promote a vision for health in the Union based on solidarity, equality, innovation, and social cohesion, ensuring no European citizen is denied fair and quality healthcare.
A significant priority is improving the availability, affordability, and accessibility of medicines and medical devices while strengthening healthcare systems' resilience. Minister Charalambides stated that the Cyprus Presidency will continue the work initiated by the Danish Presidency, with a focus on completing pending matters regarding the Pharmaceutical Package to enhance access to medicines across all Member States.
Regarding the Regulation on Critical Medicines, the Minister emphasized the importance of completing negotiations, with the inaugural trilogue taking place to reach a political agreement before the Cyprus Presidency concludes. The Presidency will also work on targeted amendments to the Medical Devices Regulation and the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (MDR and IVDR).
Minister Charalambides identified the European Biotechnology Act (Biotech Act) as a strategic tool for strengthening innovation, research, competitiveness, and resilience in the Union's life sciences sector. The Presidency aims to reach a general approach agreement on the Directive and present a progress report at the EPSCO Council.
In the context of the Union's Preparedness Strategy, the Minister emphasized continued discussions on the relevant regulation, aiming for a general approach agreement. The Presidency also prioritizes mental health and inclusiveness, especially for young people, striving for a 'Comprehensive EU Approach.'
Minister Charalambides proposed establishing a European Centre of Clinical Excellence for Pharmaceutical Products to enhance transparency, decision quality, and coherence in European health systems. This initiative is under consultation with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
The Presidency is committed to implementing the European Health Data Space (EHDS) to connect health systems, advance artificial intelligence, and transition towards a fully integrated European Health Union. This topic will be promoted at a dedicated event in Cyprus and discussed at the Informal EU Health Ministers' meeting.
The Cyprus Presidency will host numerous health-related meetings and conferences, including the Informal Meeting of Health Ministers in February. The overarching goal is to strengthen cooperation with third countries and international organizations to address emerging health threats.
Minister Charalambides praised the World Health Organization's role in global health resilience and highlighted the EU's central role in strengthening international health security. The Presidency will advance the Pandemic Accord Annex on Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) for adoption at the World Health Assembly in May.
In statements after the SANT Committee session, Minister Charalambides explained that health autonomy means ensuring no citizen is left behind. He emphasized the importance of availability, affordability, and meaningful access to medicines and medical devices, aligned with the Cyprus Presidency's motto, 'An autonomous Union open to the world.'
The Minister stressed the intensive efforts to advance critical legislative files, including the Pharmaceutical Package and Critical Medicines. The Presidency is also focusing on mental health, inclusiveness, and strengthening the European Health Data Space to benefit citizens through connectivity and innovation.
Finally, he underscored the Presidency's commitment to working with the European Parliament to achieve tangible and ambitious results for a stronger, fairer, and more resilient European Health Union.