Cyprus Presidency Priorities for Health in the EU

The Minister of Health, Neophytos Charalambides, presented the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency in the field of public health to the European Parliament. Emphasis was placed on the importance of health as a foundation for European resilience and autonomy.

Priorities include improving access to medicines and medical technology products, strengthening health systems, and promoting mental health, especially among young people.

The Presidency will work to complete the Pharmaceutical Package and the Regulation on Critical Medicines. It will also seek to amend the Regulations on Medical Devices (MDR and IVDR) and promote the European Biotech Act.

As part of strengthening the transparency and quality of health systems, the Presidency will present a proposal for the establishment of a European Centre for Clinical Excellence for Pharmaceutical Products.

Mr. Charalambides stressed the importance of cooperation with the World Health Organization and the promotion of the Annex on Access to Pathogens and Benefit Sharing (PABS) of the Pandemic Convention.

After the meeting, the Minister stated that autonomy in the field of health means leaving no citizen behind, ensuring access to quality health care for all.