Investment, innovation and cooperation were the main themes on Friday, 21 April, at our event At a turning point: Healthcare systems in Central and Eastern Europe. Executives from the life sciences sector and policymakers discussed how to prepare Europe for the future while highlighting the human cost of inadequate access to healthcare. A presentation by the Economist Impact dove into their latest report and explored solutions to healthcare issues in the region. Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, European Commission, capped off the day by explaining how solidarity is key to building a strong health union.
Laying the foundation for the future of the health union
Investment, innovation and cooperation were the main themes on Friday, 21 April, at our event At a turning point: Healthcare systems in Central and Eastern Europe. Executives from the life sciences sector and policymakers discussed how to prepare Europe for the future while highlighting the human cost of inadequate access to healthcare. A presentation by the Economist Impact dove into their latest report and explored solutions to healthcare issues in the region. Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, European Commission, capped off the day by explaining how solidarity is key to building a strong health union.

The panel featured Kostas Deligiannis, CEO for Eastern Europe, GE HealthCare; Arjon van Hengel, Deputy Head of Unit, Health Innovations and Ecosystems, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission; Cyril Schiever, Senior Vice-President and President, Mid-Europe Region, MSD and Anca Toma, Executive Director, European Patients’ Forum. Moderating the morning was Sue Saville, Journalist.
Related items
:focal())
Healthcare, competitiveness, innovation and simplification
Europe’s life sciences sector sits at the heart of the EU’s competitiveness agenda. It supports advanced manufacturing and helps bring new treatments and technologies to patients. Yet companies deciding where to invest need a regulatory environment that is predictable and open to global cooperation.
The European Commission’s work on the Biotech Act and the targeted revision of the Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostics Regulations (MDR/IVDR) offers an opportunity to improve that environment. Both files can help make Europe a stronger location for life sciences investment.
The EU should use this moment to build a framework that keeps pace with scientific progress. That means faster and clearer procedures. It also means better use of data and intellectual property rules that recognise the realities of global supply chains.
:focal())
Strengthening EU competitiveness through an adaptive MDR/IVDR framework
:focal())
A global approach to strengthening Europe’s biotechnology ecosystem
Policy priorities
Insights and advocacy driving Europe’s policy agenda. Our priorities support growth, innovation and a stronger transatlantic economy.
Membership
Connecting business and policymakers to strengthen the voice of American companies in Europe.