There cannot be a true European Health Union without a common, consistent regulatory framework that protects patients' rights. Without this foundation, the Union will always be incomplete, lacking the essential pillar that protects people and ensures equity.
For this reason, alongside 17 patient advocacy groups, civic organisations, and healthcare networks from 13 Member States, we warmly welcomed the decision by Polish institutions to prioritise patients' rights during the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2025. This was an important signal recognising the need for stronger European convergence on an issue that directly affects the lives of millions of citizens.
We hope that future presidencies, particularly the Cypriot and Irish ones, will build on this momentum and take concrete steps towards a more cohesive European approach capable of defining common standards and strengthening protections, finally giving patients' rights the centrality they deserve.
Further information can be found in the article written by the Active Citizenship Network and published in the Journal of Medical and Clinical Studies, which features contributions from several leaders of key European associations.
References: https://www.pubtexto.com/pdf/?towards-a-standardised-framework-of-patients-rights-across-europe
