May 24, 2025
The European Union faces a crucial crossroads for public health: on one side a rapidly aging population, on the other millions with rare, complex, and difficult-to-treat diseases. No country alone has sufficient resources, data, and expertise to tackle these challenges, but the path toward true European health integration seems blocked, leaving incomplete the vision of a strong European Health Union proposed in 2024 by President Ursula von der Leyen. Today, however, something is changing.
The EU already has important tools, such as the European Reference Networks (ERNs) for rare and complex diseases, the European Health Data Space, and investments in innovative projects like centers of excellence for artificial intelligence and robotics in medicine. However, coordinated governance is needed to unite these tools into an integrated European ecosystem for research, innovation, and investment.
Prof. Maurizio Scarpa, MetabERN Coordinator: “Now it is necessary for the ERNs to lead research and clinical practice, becoming the central engine of actions in favor of patients” (follow the link below):
https://www.osservatoriomalattierare.it/news/attualita/21966-malattie-rare-serve-un-vero-ecosistema-europeo-per-ricerca-e-innovazione
