Health Care
It’s Christmas in July (for Commissioners)! Von der Leyen hands out policy gifts ahead of key vote
Ursula von der Leyen presents herself as a beacon of stability to secure another five years at the head of the EU’s executive.
The MEPs who actually matter
To do: 6 thorny issues lurking in MEPs’ inboxes
UK’s Labour to reintroduce tobacco ban
Von der Leyen loses court case in blow to her 2nd-term bid
Cocaine seizures fall in big EU ports as gangs target easier routes
French government resigns, ushering in indefinite transition period
Improving lung cancer survival in Europe
Political commitment to screening is crucial.
US FTC hits dialysis giants with antitrust probe
The Federal Trade Commission investigation of DaVita and Fresenius Medical Care follows years of consolidation in the dialysis industry.
Smartphone ban to hit Belgium’s Francophone schools
New regional government will limit use of smartphones by kids in Brussels and Walloon schools.
Commissioner Kyriakides rules out second EU term
The health commissioner will return to Cyprus at the end of her mandate.
Attacking hospitals is part of Putin’s plan
Russia’s “total war” tactics are aimed at forcing local populations to press the government to capitulate, experts say.
Malta’s Fearne could still be EU commissioner nominee if court clears him, says PM Abela
Fearne will find out in two weeks if a court deems there to be enough evidence to proceed in hospital fraud case.
EU parliament centrists circle wagons to keep far right out of top jobs
Liberals are incensed over a backdoor deal between the EPP and ECR.
France has no majority. But these policies might.
POLITICO looks at the policies with the best chance of making it through France’s new hung parliament.
Russia bombs children’s hospital as missiles kill dozens across Ukraine
Putin’s forces deliberately targeted kids, Kyiv officials said.
The call for an EU Action Plan for rare diseases
Driving excellence: A new EU Action Plan for rare diseases that drives innovation, creativity and competitiveness can position the EU as a leader on the global stage.
Ozempic-maker blasts Biden in price row
Novo Nordisk has denied U.S. president’s claim it is “ripping off” consumers, saying the reality isn’t so simple.
From stigma to support: Ending HIV in Europe by 2030
With a new European Parliament and elections across the continent this year, campaigners are working hard to ensure the needs of people with HIV remain high on health agendas.
Ozempic is running short and private clinics are to blame, says EU watchdog
The agency urged doctors to stop prescribing the drugs outside of their licenses to ease shortages.
500 medical workers killed during Israel’s military assault on Gaza, UN says
“This equates to an average of two health care workers killed every day,” British charity warns.
Poland moves closer to easing abortion laws
The new Polish government has been struggling to reach a compromise on how to ease the country’s strict abortion laws.
Living near a busy airport can make you sick, new study finds
The effects include higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and dementia.
Combination therapies offer hope to cancer patients – but we need to act now to ensure access
There is an urgent need to consider solutions to overcome complex access challenges to combination therapies — payers, policymakers and industry leaders must work together and act now to ensure access.
Fortress Hungary has a surprising answer to its population crisis: Migration
Quietly and without much fanfare, Viktor Orbán’s government is allowing more and more guest workers into the country.
The Hungarian presidency: Let the games begin
Brussels holds its breath as Budapest takes over rotating Council presidency.
How to navigate Hungary’s EU presidency policy agenda like a pro
The country’s Council stint will be marked by political change in Brussels following the EU election.
12 countries push for EU crackdown on vapes
The European Commission has delayed action on tobacco and nicotine, but countries say it should consider a ban on flavored vapes.
Drug-resistant TB leaves EU scrambling for medicines
Vital drugs are either not authorized or are deemed too expensive, as cases rise.
Czechia slams Germany over drug stockpiling
A German policy requiring pharmaceutical companies to hold six months worth of certain types of stock will squeeze other countries, says Czech deputy health minister.
EU HTA: If we want faster access to cancer treatment for all, we need to get it right
In January 2025 the EU HTA Regulation will become reality. Let’s work together to ensure it facilitates faster patient access to new cancer treatments.