EPF response to the 2025 State of the Union

The European Patients’ Forum (EPF) closely followed today’s State of the Union (SOTEU) speech by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament. Each September, the SOTEU provides an important opportunity for the President of the European Commission to present her vision for the EU, take stock of achievements, and announce new initiatives.

We welcome President von der Leyen’s commitment to a “Global Health Resilience Initiative,” with a specific focus on addressing the growing threat of disinformation, including on vaccines. However, EPF is deeply concerned that public health was largely absent from both the speech and the accompanying letter of intent, as well as from the subsequent debate with Members of the European Parliament. In addition, health funding through EU4Health and other non-research programmes was omitted from the debate, despite their essential role in sustaining continued investment in public health.

A healthy population is a prerequisite for the Union’s competitiveness, productivity, and long-term resilience. Five years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe continues to face significant health challenges, from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to the health impacts of climate change. At the same time, budgetary constraints threaten continued investment in healthcare systems, deepening inequalities across the EU.

We call for a strong European Health Union that delivers for all patients across Europe and involves them at every step.

The EU must reaffirm its commitment to public health as a strategic priority. Patients across Europe expect and deserve an ambitious vision for a healthier, more equitable, and more resilient Union. Articulating that vision is all the more pressing in the context of upcoming discussions on the future 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).