Health › Public health

Latest decisions

1. An EU health workforce crisis plan: sustainability of healthcare systems and employment and working conditions in the healthcare sector

   The report responds to a health workforce crisis in the Union, where shortages of doctors, nurses, carers and other healthcare professionals are deepening and becoming structural. It sets out measures under six pillars: employment and working conditions, regional inequalities in access to care, recruitment and training, digital transformation, financing and planning, and ethical labour models. Parliament adopted the text as its official position, meaning it states Parliament's stance on how to address the crisis and support sustainable healthcare systems. The report calls for better implementation of the Professional Qualifications Directive, expanded education and training pathways, and use of ESF+ and cohesion funds to support national plans.

   HealthJobs, social affairs & equality

   17 Sept 2026 · Resolutions · report by Loucas Fourlas, Ruggero Razza · 23 ballots · voted 13:14 · A-10-2026-0168 · 2025/2062

   Adopted 514–61–33 · by an overwhelming majority
2. Strengthening global health resilience in partner countries

   Parliament adopted a resolution on strengthening global health resilience in partner countries, covering health systems, health workforce, local production of medicines and vaccines, and preparedness for disease outbreaks. By adopting the text, Parliament made it its official position, stating that strengthening global health resilience is both a development objective and a strategic investment in European and global security and stability. Parliament recognises the urgent need to boost the ability of systems, communities and institutions worldwide to prevent, prepare for, absorb and adapt to global health threats.

   HealthForeign affairs

   17 Sept 2026 · Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 5 ballots · voted 13:59 · B-10-2026-0385 · 2026/2731

   Adopted 319–142–19 · by a large majority
3. An EU cardiovascular diseases strategy

   Parliament adopted a resolution on an EU cardiovascular diseases strategy, setting out its position on the priorities, implementation and governance of the European Commission's Safe Hearts Plan. The resolution addresses cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death in the EU, and the modifiable risk factors behind most cardiovascular deaths, such as tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and environmental exposures. By adopting the text, Parliament made it its official position, supporting the implementation of the European Cardiovascular Health Plan and stressing prevention, early intervention and cross-sectoral action.

   Health

   16 Sept 2026 · Resolutions · report by Romana Jerković · voted 14:26 · A-10-2026-0221 · 2025/2132

   Adopted 545–47–75 · by an overwhelming majority
4. Gender inequalities in health, specifically as regards gender-specific conditions

   Parliament adopted a resolution on gender inequalities in health, focusing on gender-specific conditions such as menopause and endometriosis. The text examines the whole healthcare cycle, from clinical trials and drug development to diagnosis and treatment, and sets out Parliament's official position. It asks the Commission to use the forthcoming Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 to propose concrete measures that prioritise and incentivise investment into gender-specific conditions.

   HealthJobs, social affairs & equality

   16 Sept 2026 · Resolutions · report by Billy Kelleher · 98 ballots · voted 14:30 · A-10-2026-0200 · 2025/2074

   Adopted 390–218–29 · by a clear majority
5. World Cancer Day

   Parliament adopted a resolution marking World Cancer Day on 4 February, expressing solidarity with patients, survivors, families, healthcare professionals and researchers across Europe. It calls on the Commission and member states to renew commitment to fully implement Europe's Beating Cancer Plan through the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework, with adequate funding and annual reporting. Parliament also calls for a specific EU health programme with dedicated funding, and for integrating gender differences into cancer research and care.

   Health

   12 Feb 2026 · Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 19 ballots · voted 12:46 · B-10-2026-0142 · 2026/2586

   Adopted 427–15–93 · by a large majority
6. Framework for strengthening the availability and security of supply of critical medicinal products as well as the availability of, and accessibility of, medicinal products of common interest

   The proposal aims to strengthen the availability and security of supply of critical medicinal products in the EU. Parliament adopted its position on the proposed law, which includes amendments to boost EU manufacturing and improve coordination among member states. The position also calls for better use of existing data tools and involvement of stakeholders across the supply chain.

   Economy & single marketHealth

   20 Jan 2026 · New laws · report by Tomislav Sokol · 1st reading · 43 ballots · voted 12:43 · A-10-2025-0272 · 2025/0102

   Adopted 503–57–108 · by a large majority
7. European Citizens’ Initiative ‘My voice, my choice: for safe and accessible abortion’

   Parliament adopted a resolution backing the European citizens' initiative 'My Voice, My Choice: For Safe and Accessible Abortion'. The resolution calls for EU legislation to create a financial mechanism helping member states that voluntarily join it to provide safe abortion care. Parliament's position is that access to safe, universally accessible and legal abortion is a fundamental right.

   HealthJobs, social affairs & equality

   17 Dec 2025 · Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 53 ballots · voted 12:37 · B-10-2025-0558 · 2025/3007

   Adopted 358–202–79 · by a clear majority

8. Objection under Rule 115(2) and (3) · implementing measure

   Genetically modified maize DP51291

   Parliament objected to a Commission draft decision that would have authorised selling food and feed made from genetically modified maize DP51291 in the EU. The objection was adopted, so the Commission measure is blocked and the maize cannot be marketed in the Union. MEPs cited concerns about the maize's complex engineering, possible allergens, and the herbicide glufosinate linked to it.

   Agriculture, food & fisheriesHealth

   8 Oct 2025 · Objections · motion for a resolution · 2 ballots · voted 14:03 · B-10-2025-0407 · 2025/2807

   Adopted 433–166–9 · by a large majority
9. Amendments to the International Health Regulations contained in the Annex to Resolution WHA77.17 and adopted on 1 June 2024

   Parliament gave its consent to the Council decision inviting member states to accept, in the interest of the European Union, amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005). The amendments, adopted on 1 June 2024, introduce a "pandemic emergency" as the highest global alert level and issue non-binding Temporary Recommendations to guide countries. They also strengthen cooperation and set up a coordinating financial mechanism for building core capacities. The decision does not create additional financial obligations for member states, who remain responsible for their health policy.

   Health

   6 May 2025 · Consent · committee report · consent procedure · voted 13:14 · A-10-2025-0064 · 2024/0299

   Adopted 514–126–6 · by a large majority
10. Amendment of Annex VI – Powers and responsibilities of the standing committees

    Parliament decided to set up a standing committee on Security and Defence and a standing committee on Public Health, replacing the existing subcommittees on those topics. The Security and Defence committee will handle EU security and defence integration, including CSDP, the European Defence Agency, and defence industry matters, while the Public Health committee will cover pharmaceuticals, health crisis preparedness, and related agencies. The committees on Foreign Affairs and on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety will have their responsibilities adjusted accordingly, and the decision takes effect at the next part-session.

    EU institutions & ParliamentDefence & securityHealth

    18 Dec 2024 · Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 17 ballots · voted 12:11 · B-10-2024-0215 · 2024/2115

    Adopted 448–161–40 · by a large majority
11. Recommendation on smoke- and aerosol-free environments

    Parliament rejected a resolution supporting the Council's recommendation to extend smoke- and aerosol-free environments to outdoor areas and new products like e-cigarettes. The rejection means Parliament did not endorse the proposed measures, which aimed to protect people from second-hand smoke and aerosols. The resolution had called on member states to ban smoking in key outdoor spaces and include heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes.

    Health

    28 Nov 2024 · Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 50 ballots · voted 12:28 · B-10-2024-0173 · 2024/2911

    Rejected 152–378–26 · by a large majority

Dossiers involved · latest vote first

1. 2025/2062 An EU health workforce crisis plan: sustainability of healthcare systems and employment and working conditions in the healthcare sector 17 Sept 2026 · 1 vote
2. 2026/2731 Strengthening global health resilience in partner countries 17 Sept 2026 · 1 vote
3. 2025/2074 Gender inequalities in health, specifically as regards gender-specific conditions 16 Sept 2026 · 1 vote
4. 2025/2132 An EU cardiovascular diseases strategy 16 Sept 2026 · 1 vote
5. 2026/2586 World Cancer Day 12 Feb 2026 · 1 vote
6. 2025/0102 Framework for strengthening the availability and security of supply of critical medicinal products as well as the availability of, and accessibility of, medicinal products of common interest 20 Jan 2026 · 1 vote
7. 2025/3007 European Citizens’ Initiative ‘My voice, my choice: for safe and accessible abortion’ 17 Dec 2025 · 1 vote
8. 2025/2807 Genetically modified maize DP51291 8 Oct 2025 · 1 vote
9. 2024/0299 Amendments to the International Health Regulations contained in the Annex to Resolution WHA77.17 and adopted on 1 June 2024 6 May 2025 · 1 vote
10. 2024/2115 Amendment of Annex VI – Powers and responsibilities of the standing committees 18 Dec 2024 · 1 vote
11. 2024/2911 Recommendation on smoke- and aerosol-free environments 28 Nov 2024 · 1 vote

Who backs what

How each group's majority voted on the 10 most recent final roll calls about public health. A group is "split" when no position won among its members.

The latest final votes, group by group