Healthier Together – European Commission’s Initiative on EU Non-communicable diseases
On 22 June 2022, the European Commission presented a new initiative on non-communicable diseases, which covers the areas of mental health and neurological disorders. The initiative will support actions during 2022-2027.
The final text is available here
European Health Data Space (EHDS)
On 3 May 2022, the European Commission proposed a regulation on the European Health Data Space, which aims to facilitate the cross-border exchange of patients’ data and support the use of health data for research, innovation and policy-making to improve healthcare services in the European Union. This initiative will benefit researchers as they will have access to high-quality data within a trusted and secure framework that guarantees patient privacy. The proposal will now be discussed by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament.
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European Parliament resolution on artificial intelligence in a digital age (2020/2266(INI))
On 3 May 2022, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on artificial intelligence in a digital age. One of the areas covered by the document is related to the use of AI technologies in the health sector and touches upon the concept of brain imaging, emphasizing that the EU should contribute to the development of safe neurological technologies. Also, the European Parliament calls on the European Commission to consider the initiative on neurorights, which aims to protect the human brain and its activity as neurotechnology advances.
The final text is available here
EU4 Health programme 2021-2027
The EU4Health programme was launched in March 2021 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to reinforce cross-border crisis preparedness in the European Union. The programme is supported by a €5.3 billion budget during 2021-2027. It is focused on long-term health challenges by strengthening the health systems of the EU Member States. Also, the programme addresses the need for supporting actions to improve mental health and tackle neurological disorders.
The final text is available here
Regulation on Health Technology Assessment 2021/2282
The European Commission started implementing the regulation on Health Technology Assessment on 22 June 2022. It should be fully implemented by 2025. The legislation is focused on technology development by giving patients access to medicines and medical devices across the EU.
The final text is available here
Mental Health in the Digital World of Work (2021/2098(INI))
In July 2022, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on mental health in the digital place of work. MEPs call on the Commission to propose a legislation framework establishing minimum standards for telework across the European Union with the focus on digitalisation. Also, the European Parliament highlights the importance of raising awareness of the impact on the mental health of workers of highly prevalent and debilitating neurological disorders such as migraines.
The final text is available here
European Parliament resolution on a pharmaceutical strategy for Europe (2021/2013(INI))
The EU Pharmaceutical Strategy aims to promote research and development of new medicines, which also includes investing in the fight against neurodegenerative and mental disorders by strengthening EU’s research capabilities, improving health systems of the EU member states and ensuring equal access to care for patients. It is expected that the European Commission will propose an updated EU pharmaceutical legislation by the end of 2022.
The final text is available here
