Stella Kyriakides, the EU’s Health Commissioner for the past five years, has faced numerous challenges during her tenure, most notably the global COVID-19 pandemic. While Kyriakides did not always assume a central public role during the crisis, her team was responsible for overseeing vaccine procurement in Europe and introducing significant legislations such as the EU’s Cancer Master Plan, extending smoking bans to outdoor areas, launching a European action plan for mental health, and creating the first EU Health Data Space. However, the healthcare sector continues to face challenges like an ageing population, strained national healthcare systems, and a struggling industry trying to remain competitive. As budget negotiations approach, there is a concern that health may be deprioritized in favor of other issues like defense, climate, and migration that are expected to dominate the political agenda.
Brussels is known for its insightful exit interviews, especially with Commissioners responsible for complex portfolios where decision-making largely rests with individual governments. Kyriakides’ time as Health Commissioner has been marked by her team’s efforts to navigate the challenges brought about by the pandemic while also advancing important legislative initiatives in the healthcare sector. As the EU’s budget negotiations loom, there is a risk that health issues may be overshadowed by other pressing concerns, potentially impacting the future of healthcare in Europe. Marta Irraola Irribaren, a health reporter at Euronews, recently interviewed Kyriakides, shedding light on the current state of healthcare in the EU.
Today’s agenda in Brussels includes a key meeting at the European Parliament and two high-profile visits, highlighting the ongoing political activities in the city. Radio Schuman, hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, provides insights into the events and discussions shaping EU policies. The show also touches on the issue of child happiness, revealing that children in a Western European country are considered the unhappiest, raising awareness about the importance of mental health and well-being among young people. With journalist Eleonora Vasques as a production assistant, Zacharia Vigneron handling audio editing, and Alexandre Jas providing music, Radio Schuman offers a comprehensive perspective on EU affairs and societal issues.
Kyriakides’ tenure as the EU’s Health Commissioner has been marked by her team’s efforts to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic while pushing forward important healthcare initiatives. Despite not always being in the public spotlight during the crisis, Kyriakides and her team played a crucial role in vaccine procurement in Europe and the implementation of key legislations such as the Cancer Master Plan and establishment of the EU Health Data Space. However, the healthcare sector continues to grapple with issues like an aging population, strained healthcare systems, and challenges in maintaining competitiveness. As the EU’s budget negotiations approach, there is a concern that health issues may be sidelined in favor of other priorities dominating the political agenda, potentially impacting the future of healthcare policy in Europe.
The healthcare sector in Europe faces a myriad of challenges, from the impact of a global pandemic to the strain on national healthcare systems and the need for industry competitiveness. Kyriakides’ term as Health Commissioner has been marked by her team’s endeavors to navigate these challenges while advancing significant legislative initiatives. As critical budget negotiations approach, there is a risk that health issues may be deprioritized in favor of other pressing concerns. In a recent interview with Euronews, Kyriakides discussed the current state of healthcare in the EU, shedding light on the complexities and priorities facing the sector. Brussels remains at the center of political activities, with key meetings and high-profile visits shaping the agenda. Radio Schuman, hosted by Maïa de la Baume, provides valuable insights into EU policies and societal issues, including the importance of child happiness and mental health awareness. With a dedicated team of journalists, production assistants, and editors, the show offers a comprehensive view of European affairs and societal challenges.
