In his opening remarks, Várhelyi said he would work to improve citizens’ health by building on the EU Health Union, prioritise preventive health measures, ensure the availability of necessary treatments and medicines, and guarantee that clinical research remains and grows in Europe. He committed to apply the “One Health” approach, which balances the health of people, animals, and the environment.

Critical medicines, fight against cancer and cardiovascular diseases

The Commissioner-designate stressed his commitment to help conclude work on the EU pharmaceutical reform and complement it with a new Critical Medicines Act. Mr Várhelyi will also propose a new European Biotech Act, as an enabler of innovation, and launch a revision of EU medical devices legislation and tobacco products rules.

He emphasised the importance of implementing the EU Beating Cancer Plan and promised a similar initiative to tackle cardiovascular diseases. If confirmed, he will work on various…