A vision for Europe: Belgian Health Minister unveils European Health Union priorities

In light of the 2024 Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Belgium’s health minister Frank Vandenbroucke lays out his vision for a European Health Union: a Europe that cares, prepares and protects.

The thematic clusters, identified as ‘a Europe that cares, prepares, and protects,’ reflect the collective efforts of the Belgian health presidency team and EU Health Ministers. Their perspectives, presented in the latest issue of the European Observatory’s journal, aim to spark crucial debates on the future of the European Health Union.

Minister Vandenbroucke highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic brought the focus on the the importance of overall well-being, including mental health, in enhancing resilience to emergencies and stress. He advocates for a shift in research and development, prioritising health-related needs over profit-driven motives. The Pillar of Social Rights is positioned as a cornerstone, emphasising equal access to healthcare as a fundamental social right within the European Health Union.

“The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that (…) population’s overall well-being, including mental health, enhances its resilience to emergencies and stress. Research and development must not be driven by what can generate significant profits, but rather by current (unmet) health-related needs in society.”

“The Pillar of Social Rights should be one of the key references and benchmarks of the European Health Union. Linking the European Health Union to the Pillar (…) underscores the importance of equal access to healthcare as a fundamental social right.”

“Investment in health and healthcare are prime examples of investment in human capital and should be included in the concept of social investment.”

Mental Health Europe warmly welcomes these priorities, particularly highlighting the emphasis on the right to health, a holistic health approach, and the proposed debate on a ‘needs-driven approach’ to healthcare policy and research and development. We stress that mental health is part of the right to health and a crucial part of the European Health Union. The Communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health has added another pillar to the architecture of the European Health Union, representing a new strategic approach to put mental health on par with physical health.

Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety at the European Commission, echoes this sentiment, stating, “Our new comprehensive approach to mental health puts people at the centre by aiming to break the stigma and make a positive difference for every citizen facing mental health challenges.”

We are looking forward to essential discussions throughout the Belgian Presidency’s term, initiating a transformative journey towards a more caring and prepared European Health Union.