Today’s State of the Union speech left us with mixed feelings. While we welcome President von der Leyen’s acknowledgement of the serious public health threat posed by disinformation, especially in relation to preventable diseases such as measles and polio, we regret the absence of a renewed commitment to completing the work begun in the previous mandate on building a European Health Union and advancing the Green Deal.
As a trained doctor, President von der Leyen rightly underlined how damaging disinformation can be to vaccination campaigns and global health security. The announcement of a new Global Health Resilience Initiative is therefore encouraging, but we urgently need more clarity on what this will mean in practice. Moreover, while global leadership is crucial, we cannot overlook the need for action closer to home. The EU must show continued focus and determination to strengthen and improve public health for all Europeans.
There are pressing gaps that remain unaddressed:
- A firm commitment to completing the European Health Union.
Physical and mental health promotion, alongside a clear path forward in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), must be placed at the centre of EU policymaking. The cardiovascular health plan must be launched without delay, with ambitious actions that match the scale of the challenge. It should act as a new compass and a strong signal of Europe’s commitment to tackling preventable and chronic diseases – a challenge that requires truly cross-sectoral solutions. Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan also requires full delivery, particularly the long-overdue revision of tobacco legislation and stronger marketing restrictions for harmful products.
- A renewed and credible commitment to the Green Deal, especially on climate action and air pollution.
The health of our societies and of our planet are inseparable, and planetary crises are also health crises. The EU has already shown it can lead on health and sustainability, and it must demonstrate the courage to finish the job rather than doubling down on de-regulation – committing to an ambitious and clear timeline to phase out fossil fuels, and to reduce emissions of air pollutants at all sources.
- A guarantee that citizens and civil society have the space, means, and support to co-shape the policies that safeguard health and democracy in Europe.
We welcome President von der Leyen’s call for unity of democratic forces in the European Parliament. But we missed hearing her clearly stand on the side of civil society and underline the crucial role of civil society organisations and citizens in shaping future-proof policies on the most pressing matters we face. Democracy becomes a reality only when people’s voices are heard, when civil society is empowered, and when policymaking is grounded in participation and accountability.
With the right choices, this mandate could truly deliver lasting health, sustainability, and trust, in Europe and beyond.