EU Health Leaders Highlight Innovation, Collaboration, and Crisis Prep at Brussels Summit

From medicine shortages to AI ethics, the Euronews Health Summit in Brussels sparked debate among top global leaders.

EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi called health "the biggest challenge" but stressed innovation and faster treatment development. He highlighted new EU legislation like the Biotech Act.

WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that shared threats require shared responses, noting WHO's recent stabilization after U.S. withdrawal.

DG HERA’s Olivier Girard warned against health protectionism, urging access to critical medicines and innovation. Ricardo Baptista Leite of HealthAI said Europe must bridge public and private sectors for AI progress.

Fulvia Raffaelli of the European Commission urged clear ethical lines in AI to protect patients. Philips' Jan-Willem Scheijgrond noted AI is an ongoing journey requiring guardrails and standards.

Sobi’s Lydia Abad-Franch stressed early diagnosis to avoid costly treatments. EPHA’s Milka Sokolović said health systems are vital to societal stability.

Czech Health Minister Adam Vojtěch called mental health a growing crisis, especially among youth, urging action from both EU and national governments.