We spoke with MEP Michalis Hadjipantela (EPP Group, Member of the Committee on Public Health, Cyprus) during the latest European Parliament session in Strasbourg. He called for greater ambition on health innovation in the EU and highlighted his aim to establish an EU agency for rare diseases.
How can the EU support health innovation?
In order to support health innovation, first of all, we have to be ambitious. We have to set ambitious targets. Secondly, we must have enough funding. And thirdly, we have to work together in the EU. When we work together, we can deliver results for EU citizens. And this was proven during the pandemic, when I served as Cyprus’s Minister of Health.
What are your key takeaways on health from SOTEU 2026
I was expecting to hear more about health and more ambition. Unfortunately, over the last couple of years, we have seen the European Commission and the Council trying to reduce the health budget. Fortunately, together with the European Parliament, we are trying to increase this budget. The President of the European Commission has to understand that, in order to be competitive, we have to be healthy. So, all the funds that we want to invest in competitiveness can help increase competitiveness while also making EU citizens healthier.
Talking about AI in health – do you think we are moving too fast or falling behind?
I think we are moving too slowly. We have been talking about AI for the past 3–4 years, but we have not seen enough concrete measures, regulation or technology implemented in the EU. Especially now, when we are facing shortages of nurses and doctors, this is something we need to catch up on. We need to have the legislation ready, and at the same time, we need to give companies incentives to use this technology to improve the health of EU citizens.
What will be among your priorities in health?
My dream and my target is to have an EU Agency for rare diseases. It is important to know the number of patients with particular rare diseases in each country and to be able to offer the same treatment for rare diseases, whether you are a citizen of a small country or one of the larger countries. It is a big target. It has already been included in a number of policy files. It is something I will pursue over the next couple of years.
Picture and video: Ulrika Hibnere
