International Workshop: The European Health Union, Towards a healthier and safer Union

The International Workshop “The European Health Union: Towards a Healthier and Safer Union” will take place on February 24, 2023, at the Museum of Medicine, University of Padua (Via San Francesco, 90, Padua, Italy).

The workshop will be held in the framework of the EU4Health Programme 2021–2027, the most ambitious EU initiative in the health sector, with a budget of €5.3 billion. Building on the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgent need for stronger European cooperation in public health, the event will aim to foster a constructive, multi-professional and multi-disciplinary discussion on the creation of a European Health Union (EHU).

Throughout the day, distinguished scholars, policymakers, and professionals will explore the principles, policies, and instruments that may contribute to a stronger and more resilient European Health Union. Sessions will address:

  • The fundamental principles of the EU as a foundation for a European Health Union.

  • Ongoing projects and initiatives shaping Europe’s health agenda, from the European Health Data Space to Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

  • The role of digitalization and new technologies in improving public health.

  • The contribution of the pharmaceutical industry and economic operators in building an integrated health market.

  • Strategies for combining “bottom-up” initiatives with EU-level “top-down” action to consolidate the European Health Union.

The event will conclude with a round-table discussion designed to generate concrete proposals and ideas to strengthen European cooperation in healthcare, with a special focus on rare diseases and the European Reference Networks (ERNs).

This international initiative will be made possible thanks to the collaboration of all promoting institutions and supporting organizations, including: University of Padua (Departments of Political Science, Law and International Studies; University-Hospital of Padua, School of Medicine and Surgery); University of Bologna (Department of Political and Social Sciences and School of Medicine and Surgery); Center for Rare Diseases, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS); Motore Sanità International Agency. With the patronage of the Veneto Region and other distinguished partners: European institutions such as the European Commission (DG SANTE, DG REGIO, HERA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), and patient associations like EURORDIS will also be represented, ensuring a wide range of perspectives.


The workshop will provide a unique opportunity to discuss and shape the future of a European Health Union that guarantees equal, timely, and high-quality healthcare for all EU citizens.

Participation will be open to all those interested!

International Workshop: The European Health Union, Towards a healthier and safer Union – Programme Overview

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