The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) which took place on 3 December 2024 addressed many healthcare-related topics. Among these, Health ministers discussed the European Health Union in light of the Draghi report of September 2024 on the future of European competitiveness. Among the main issues on the table was the potential impact of Draghi’s recommendations on national healthcare systems and the European Health Union’s, as well as how member states and the Commission might coordinate their implementation.

A report on progress achieved in the revision of the pharmaceutical package was also discussed. The document resumes the opinions the Commission received from different national governments and bodies on the initial proposal of the new directive and regulation of 26 April November 2023. The EU Parliament adopted on 10 April 2024 its position on the revision. A number of meetings of the Council’s Working Party (WP) on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices were also organised under the different presidencies. Main still open issues include incentives and length of data protection, regulatory flexibility and shortages.

The Council also approved its conclusions on the improvement of cardiovascular health in the European Union. Prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation are the key actions identified in order to reduce the social and economic burden of cardiovascular diseases.Other topics raised during the discussions included the ongoing negotiations for an international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, as well as complementary amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005), the needed reforms in the Medical Device and In vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Regulations and the voluntary cooperation for joint procurement of medicinal products.