A new report from the State of Health in the EU initiative highlights the urgent need for innovative and resilient health systems across Europe. The findings, published by the European Commission in partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, identify key areas where reform is needed to address current challenges such as ageing populations and rising rates of non-communicable diseases.
The Synthesis Report outlines four main priorities: prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), digital transformation in healthcare, strengthening primary care, and improving access to affordable pharmaceuticals and innovation.
Non-communicable diseases remain a significant concern. According to the report, NCDs are responsible for most preventable illnesses and deaths in the EU. In 2022 alone, more than 725,000 deaths could have been avoided. The report notes that younger populations are increasingly affected, with childhood inactivity and obesity on the rise and over 20% of 15-year-olds using e-cigarettes. Preventing NCD mortality could slow workforce decline due to ageing by 12% between 2022 and 2040. To tackle these issues, the European Commission plans to present an EU cardiovascular health plan this year focusing on diabetes and obesity among young people. Initiatives like Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the Healthier Together Initiative receive support through funding from the EU4Health Programme.
Primary care systems face pressures from chronic disease prevalence, workforce shortages, underinvestment, and an ageing population. In 2024, over one third of European adults reported long-standing health problems or illnesses. The report emphasizes reforms aimed at attracting primary care providers and developing community-based models. Financial support comes from instruments such as EU Cohesion Funds and the Recovery and Resilience Facility to improve access—especially in rural or underserved areas.
Digital technology is transforming healthcare delivery in Europe. Since 2015, investment in health-related information technology has increased by about 30%. All Member States now offer electronic health records while expanding use of ePrescriptions, artificial intelligence integration, and digital governance tools. Over €14.5 billion from various EU funding programs supports these advancements.
Pharmaceutical spending remains a major component of healthcare costs; pharmacy medicines accounted for about 60% of pharmaceutical expenditure in 2023. Recent reforms aim to improve affordability and access to medicines amid rising prices and demand, aligning with updates to EU pharmaceutical legislation.
Alongside this main report, individual Country Health Profiles have been released for all EU countries plus Iceland and Norway. These profiles provide data on recent trends as well as analysis of each country’s health system performance.
According to Eva Hrncirova, Spokesperson: “The State of Health in the EU cycle is a partnership between the European Commission, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Health Division and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (the Observatory), launched by the Commission in 2016 and funded by the EU4Health Programme. The aim is to gather up-to-date data and in-depth analyses on health and health systems and make information easily accessible to stakeholders. This strengthens the evidence base for policymakers and other health stakeholders seeking to improve the performance of health systems in the EU.”
Further details can be found via resources including both 29 Country Health Profiles covering all member states plus Iceland & Norway as well as the Synthesis Report summarizing findings at an EU-wide level.