Health as the foundation of Europe’s security. A summary of the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU

8.07.2025

The Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union has come to an end. In the area of health, these six months were dedicated to intensive collaboration, dialogue and action to strengthen healthcare systems across Europe. Among the engaged partners was the Medical University of Gdańsk (MUG), which actively contributed to the development of solutions in key areas such as pharmaceutical security, digital health and the mental health of the younger generation.

A summary meeting of the Presidency’s health-related initiatives was held on 3rd July at the Ministry of Health, with the participation of representatives from public institutions, patient organizations, expert communities, and academic institutions.

– The presidency is not only a matter of prestige and great responsibility –above all, it is an opportunity to bring truly important issues to the European agenda. Health is one of them. Through joint effort, we negotiated the pharmaceutical package and placed youth mental health at the heart of European attention. This was our time and our shared success, emphasised Minister of Health Izabela Leszczyna.

The Medical University of Gdańsk was also involved in these activities.

– MUG proudly took part in the initiatives of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, actively contributing to the development of a European health security space – from pharmaceutical safety and the development of digital standards to the creation of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and mental health projects, noted Prof. Anna Żaczek, Vice-Rector for Development and Cooperation at the MUG. – At the core of all our actions and decisions remains the patient and their well-being. I believe that through the combined efforts of science, clinical practice, and health policy, we are building a solid foundation for a stronger and more compassionate Europe – one in which everyone has the chance for a healthy and dignified life. I am convinced that our contribution will translate into lasting benefits for healthcare in Poland and across the European community.

The Polish Presidency focused on four main health priorities:
· mental health of children and adolescents in a digital world
· disease prevention, with a focus on cancer
· pharmaceutical security
· digitisation of healthcare

Key achievements include: a joint position of EU Member States on the pharmaceutical package, commencing work on the Critical Medicines Act and the development of recommendations on youth mental health

Notably, 80% of medicines or essential components for their production must currently be imported into Europe from other continents. Disruptions to the supply chain – a realistic concern given global circumstances – may lead to shortages of life-saving medications. The new legislative proposal aims to increase EU-based production of medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients and reduce dependency on imports from Asia.

More information on the Polish presidency’s health agenda is available on the official website of the Polish Ministry of Health.

Source and photos: Ministry of Health