PHSSR European Union Investing in Health 2025

14 Investing in Health for a Competitive, Secure, and Resilient Europe: A Strategic Call to Action The Partnership for Health System Sustainability and ResilienceDigital transformation of health systems and infrastructure, led by the implementation of the EHDS, has the potential to empower citizens, support preventive care, and enhance the exchange of best practices to improve workforce skills as well as system and data interoperability. The cross-border mobility of the healthcare workforce has the potential to support economic growth, mitigate labour shortages, and promote knowledge exchange, provided that care is taken to prevent workforce depletion in lower-income Member States. Collaboration across borders has high potential for mutual learning and common research and development. Reducing persistent social and health inequalities will promote coherence within the EU and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in an increasingly polarised global economy. Targeted EU investments that address these interlinked challenges can help ensure equitable access to high-quality healthcare and reinforce the resilience and sustainability of Europe’s health systems. The European Preparedness Union strategy44 highlights the need for investment in the health sector to support resilience of health systems and availability of medical countermeasures (medicines and medical devices) for emergency and disaster response, and to prepare for cross-border health and military threats. Although there is no single overarching policy on health, the EU has collectively established an extensive health agenda through key initiatives such as the European Health Union (EHU) and the European Pillar of Social Rights. Implementation of these objectives is supported through initiatives such as the EBCP , which demonstrates how EU coordination can deliver clear, actionable recommendations that mobilise impactful action across Member States, serving as valuable examples for future programmes. This is in line with Article 168 of the 2007 Lisbon Treaty, which clearly states the obligation to guarantee a high level of protection and defines an extensive scope for public health policies at the EU level. The EU thereby complements national policies and encourages cooperation between Member States. These policies emphasise the importance of protecting and improving the health of EU citizens, strengthening health systems, and preparing for future health crises. To safeguard the success of these initiatives and maintain momentum, continued EU financial support is imperative to enhance health, thereby underpinning a sustainable, resilient, and competitive EU.