The European Parliament’s September plenary session is taking place in Strasbourg from Monday 14 to Thursday 17 September, with several key debates on the European Union’s political priorities and international relations, as well as discussions on health and innovation.
A highlight of the session will be the State of the European Union (SOTEU) debate on Wednesday, featuring European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who will set out the Commission’s priorities and vision for the year ahead.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend the debate as a guest of honour. On Thursday, Carney will address the European Parliament in a dedicated plenary session, where he is expected to discuss EU–Canada relations amid growing geopolitical tensions.
The four-day plenary brings together MEPs to debate and vote on a wide range of issues affecting the EU, including its international partnerships and current political priorities, as well as topics relevant to health, healthcare policy and innovation.
Health-related topics on the MEPs’ agenda
Although many European Parliament decisions can have an indirect impact on public and individual health, as well as on innovation processes, the following are among the health-related issues being addressed by MEPs during the September plenary session:
- Gender inequalities in health, specifically regarding gender-specific conditions
- An EU health workforce crisis plan, focusing on the sustainability of healthcare systems and employment and working conditions in the healthcare sector
- Strengthening global health resilience in partner countries
- Protecting people’s health from toxic substances
- Council and Commission statements – Devastating heatwaves, wildfires and droughts in Europe: lessons from summer 2026
- An EU cardiovascular diseases strategy.
Photo: https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/photo/conference-of-presidents_20260909_EP-209839A_DLL_024
Photographer: Daina LE LARDIC
Copyright: © European Union 2026 – Source : EP
