July Informal Health Council - EU Health Ministers
EU health ministers, meeting informally on 8 July, discussed the future of EU health systems, turning their attention towards sustainable healthcare systems.
As pointed out by the Lithuanian health minister, EU healthcare systems are facing fundamental challengessuch as demographic change, the economic crisis and new technologies. The Lithuanian Presidency underlined that EU citizens do not just expect healthcare systems to be there; they want the highest level of protection possible.
During the discussions, delegates expressed agreement on common understanding of the situation. Member states recognised that although the statistics of EU healthcare systems are good and improving, every state has to understand the importance of issues ahead and work together in order to effectively respond to the challenges.
Health Commissioner Tonio Borg stated that the Commission is ready to support the EU member states in preparation to deal with the challenges ahead.
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