About: COVID-19
Commissioner: Whole life-cycle approach needed to turn challenges of ageing into opportunities
Intergenerational solidarity and fairness need to be the cornerstones and guiding lights for us as a society but in particular for decision-makers, says Commission vice-president Dubravka Šuica to EURACTIV.
10 EU countries call for more flexibility in vaccine contracts
A coalition of 10 EU countries has asked for an amendment to the advance purchase agreements (APA) made with COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, as vaccine quantities exceed countries’ needs.
Record inflation hot topic ahead of French legislative elections
Record inflation and sluggish growth threatening the purchasing power of the French are at the heart of the political debate as elections just a few more days to go before the country goes to the polls on 12 and 19 June. EURACTIV France reports.
French elections: what does the left-wing bloc have in store for health?
As French President Emmanuel Macron recently promised to overhaul the functioning of hospitals, EURACTIV France takes a closer look at what the new left-wing alliance formed by Jean-Luc Mélenchon is proposing for the ailing health sector.
Scholz on tricky South Africa mission to discuss vaccine production
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, currently on a trip to South Africa on Tuesday (24 May) will likely have a hard time discussing cooperation on vaccine production as South African leaders have been making strong calls for the release of vaccine patents. EURACTIV Germany reports.
EU lawmakers back one-year extension of COVID certificate
EU lawmakers backed on Thursday (5 May) a proposal by the EU Parliament's civil liberties committee to extend until June 2023 the EU's digital COVID certificate, set to expire this summer.
Commission, WHO discuss mental health aid for Ukrainians
The mental health of Ukrainians and those in exile was at the heart of discussions for the first time at the WHO mental health coalition meeting on Wednesday (4 May), attended by EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides. EURACTIV France reports.
Impact of pandemic on childrens’ mental health to be surveyed in France
The two years of the pandemic have put the mental health of the youngest to the test, but there is not enough data to create an adequate response, according to Santé Publique France, which launched a national survey on the well-being of children on Monday 2 May.
Social distancing worst COVID-19 restriction for mental health, finds studies
New research suggests that the main cause of mental health decline during the COVID-19 pandemic was social distancing rules.
French healthcare professionals increase calls to vote against Le Pen
French health professionals urged the electorate to vote against far-right candidate Marine Le Pen's 'problematic' health programme just a few days before she meets incumbent President Emmanuel Macron in the final round of the polls. EURACTIV France reports.
Germany calls for global food security alliance
German development minister Svenja Schulze is travelling to the World Bank Group's spring meetings in Washington with a clear mission: G7 and donor countries should form a food security alliance to tackle the global food crisis. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Germany fears seasonal labour shortages as Ukraine war rages on
This year, labour supply bottlenecks could become a problem due to the Ukraine war and the ongoing pandemic, and while the German Farmers' Association (DBV) calls for the rules to be relaxed, critics argue deeper issues remain.
French presidential candidates unified in calls for mental health care reform
Presidential candidates in the French election race all want to reform the state of mental health care as the country's mental well-being significantly deteriorated because of the pandemic. EURACTIV France reports.
EU ministers eyes coordinated approach for second COVID booster
A group of EU countries has urged the European Commission to promote a coordinated approach in administering the fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose as some differences among member states are already looming large.
COVID-19 and Ukraine war reversed gains in fighting tuberculosis
The global number of tuberculosis (TB) deaths increased last year for the first time in over a decade due to disruptions in vaccination and diagnosis created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
French presidential candidates’ proposals on healthcare staff shortage
French presidential candidates have put forward their proposals on how to tackle the country's shortage of healthcare staff across several regions. EURACTIV France reports.
COVAX vaccine supply outstrips demand for the first time
The global project to share COVID-19 vaccines is struggling to place more than 300 million doses in the latest sign the problem with vaccinating the world is now more about demand than supply.
Germany seeks key role in new EU-Africa policy
The German government hopes the EU-Africa Summit that ends Friday (18 February) will mark a new beginning in Africa policy, with development and energy policy, in particular, being at the forefront. EURACTIV Germany reports.
EU top executives: Administering COVID vaccines is now priority in Africa
Too many doses of vaccines delivered to Africa are wasted, according to both the French EU Council presidency and the European Commission, who now want to strengthen local health systems to ensure that these doses are administered to the population.
SMEs need better connectivity and skills to embrace digital transition, experts say
While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digitalisation of SMEs in the EU, experts argue that policymakers' focus should now move to infrastructure and education in order to bridge the remaining digital divide.
Tonnes of COVID healthcare waste exposes waste management failures
A report from World Health Organisation (WHO) found that COVID-19 response resulted in 'tens of thousands of tonnes' of additional medical waste, calling for better management of health care waste at all levels - from hospitals to landfills.
Civil society urges French presidential candidates to discuss digital issues
Digital matters have been noticeably missing from the debates leading up to the French presidential elections in April leading to civil society organisations calling on candidates to give more importance to innovation or skills, EURACTIV France reports.
French presidency to work on ‘European Hospital’ label project
French Health Minister Olivier Véran detailed the key health priorities of the French EU Council presidency on Thursday (27 January), highlighting the launch of a new label called "European Hospital" to strengthen health systems and support cooperation across Europe. EURACTIV France reports.