Strengthening EU Healthcare Collaboration
The European Health Summit, held from December 3–4, 2024, at the historic Egmont Palace in Brussels, brought together policymakers, business leaders, and healthcare experts from across Europe. As a high-level pan-European platform organized alongside the EPSCO Council, the Summit fosters collaboration among European institutions and member states to shape the future of healthcare.
This year marked the 5th edition of the Summit, centred on the theme, “Gold Medal Mindset: Competitiveness and Sustainability in the Tech Age.” Discussions focused on building a resilient EU healthcare model for the next legislative cycle, addressing key priorities such as digital innovation, pandemic preparedness, pharmaceutical policy, and patient-centric care. The event also highlighted the need for stronger partnerships between policymakers, civil society, academics, and the business sector to enhance healthcare outcomes.
The European Spas Association (ESPA), represented by Ms. Csilla Mezosi and Mr. Sven Aerts, was invited to participate in the prestigious European Business Summit on Health. The significance of the event was underscored by the support of the new Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) and its hosting at the Royal Palace. Notably, Queen Elizabeth also graced the event with her presence.
ESPA invited to play a leading role in “Longevity” chapter
Next year, a chapter on “Longevity” will be introduced, with ESPA invited to play a leading role in this new initiative. The EU Business Summit company thus aligns its Business Units with Priorities by the European Commission’s new Directorate General Health with #EuHealthUnionPriority1 = Prevention, Healthy Food, Healthy Lifestyles, Wellbeing, Longevity.
This will allow our members to present what they offer to the top power-people = top customers & their networks in Europe: decision makers, business people & financiers.
The summit focused on advancing public health by fostering dialogue among health experts, policymakers from DG SANTE—including the new Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi—and other key Directorate-Generals such as DG Innovation and the European Institute of Innovation & Technology Health (EIT Health). The Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers (including the Health Ministry) facilitated the presence of Hungary’s Health Minister alongside several other health ministers from the EU-27. Numerous industry leaders and financiers in the health sector also attended.
Key Highlights and Announcements
This year’s summit addressed critical themes, including health innovation, healthcare accessibility, and sustainable health financing. The financing and growth programs from the European Investment Fund and various Directorate-Generals were presented, alongside initiatives like the EU Cancer Plan and the EU Brain Health and Mental Health Plan. Additionally, DG SANTE’s second wave of funding, amounting to €752.4 million, was announced, as previously highlighted at the ESPA Congress.
The summit aims to tackle pressing health challenges in Europe, such as demographic changes and the increasing burden of chronic diseases. Attendees participated in panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions to exchange best practices and explore innovative solutions. The program emphasized the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to improve health outcomes, while sharing insights into evolving healthcare models.
- Launch of the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan
A major milestone of the Summit was the announcement of the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan by the European Commission. This initiative reflects a strong political commitment to improving cardiovascular health across Europe, aligning closely with the mission of ESPA members, including medical spas and health resorts specializing in cardiovascular disease prevention and rehabilitation programs. - Focus on Self-Care for Prevention and Wellbeing
A dedicated session explored “The Critical Role of Self-Care in Prevention and Wellbeing.” Experts emphasized that empowering citizens to take an active role in their health is crucial for improving the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of healthcare systems. Integrating self-care into healthcare plans not only enhances individual well-being but also delivers significant economic and social benefits. - Mental Health Resilience in Europe
Addressing the rising prevalence of mental health conditions such as burnout, anxiety, and depression, another session focused on “Europe’s Mental Health Resilience.” According to the Eurobarometer 2023, nearly 46% of Europeans experience mental health challenges, making it a pressing public health concern. Participants highlighted the importance of mental health initiatives and the role of medical spas in supporting recovery and resilience.
Participants explored the integration of digital health technologies and the role of preventative healthcare. The summit encouraged the involvement of diverse stakeholders, including spa and wellness professionals, to promote holistic health approaches. Networking sessions are designed to build partnerships and foster collaborative opportunities across different health sectors. Overall, the European Health Summit serves as a platform to drive action and inspire positive transformations in healthcare across Europe. ESPA gave valuable perspectives on integrating wellness into health strategies, promoting a healthier society
