Press Release: Policy Debate EWRC 2025 – Where it Matters: Investing in Regions to Shape the Future of Health in Europe

October 15, 2025

On Wednesday, 15 October, the European Week of Regions and Cities hosted an engaging policy debate on how to strengthen Europe’s health systems through more effective and inclusive investments and policies. The session, organised by EUREGHA as the Secretariat of the Interregional Group on Health and Well-being, in partnership with the European Committee of the Regions’ NAT Commission, focused on how a strong cohesion policy and other EU initiatives – better aligned with dedicated health funding – can help regions and local authorities reduce inequalities, improve care delivery, and drive innovation across Europe.

The debate featured a panel of high-level speakers from the European Parliament, European Commission, Committee of the Regions, and regional representatives from Denmark and Flanders, highlighting practical experiences with EU-funded programmes, Joint Actions, and policy alignment tools such as the European Semester.

Moderated by Michele Calabrò, the session included audience participation through interactive polls and live interventions. Participants reaffirmed that investing “where it matters” means investing in regions and local authorities — empowering them with the tools, funding, and partnerships needed to shape a healthier and fairer Europe.

Opening the debate, Birgitta Sacrédeus, Chair of the Interregional Group on Health and Well-being and Member of the County Council of Dalarna Region (Sweden), recalled that many EU health policies are implemented at regional level, where authorities are closest to citizens’ needs. She underlined that regions are not only responsible for health service delivery but are also central to translating EU ambitions into tangible impact. In her introduction, she called for closer collaboration between EU institutions, regions, and local actors, stressing that a cohesive approach to health investment is essential to achieving equity and sustainability across Europe.

Speakers’ Highlights

Each speaker provided a unique perspective on how important cohesion and Investment are at the local level:

MEP Elena Nevado del Campo (Member of the European Parliament, EPP Group): “We can’t ensure equality without cohesion policy – EU funding is what turns ambition into local action. The Parliament has boosted EU4Health and will keep pushing prevention, strategic supply and early warning so every territory benefits.”
Piotr Calbecki (Chair of the NAT Commission and President of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region Poland) : “Healthcare is not just another sectoral expense – progress and growth depend on it. Regions must have a stronger hand in shaping decisions, because even within one country realities differ.”
Katarzyna Kielar, (Policy Officer at the European Commission, DG Sante, State of Health Unit): “Country-specific recommendations guide funding: regions can use them as a roadmap for reform and underpin proposals with solid data. That’s how investments translate into tangible, lasting benefits for citizens.”
Fabian Dominguez (Social Affaires and Public Health Counsellor at the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the EU on behalf of the Government of Flanders), : “Regional engagement is essential: without cooperation between levels of government, policies risk remaining abstract instead of improving people’s daily lives.”
Xenia Lauritsen, Senior EU Advisor at the Central Denmark EU Office: “EU4Health Joint Actions have enabled our region to actively contribute to EU health policy and feel represented in it. As we look to the next MFF, it’s vital that regions keep their voice, and that Joint Actions continue”
Birgitta Sacredeus (Chair of the CoR Interregional Group of Health and Well-being, Member of the County Council Dalarna Region): “Regions are not just service providers – they’re essential partners in making EU health policy a reality”
Michele Calabrò, (Director of EUREGHA) : “It was a pleasure for EUREGHA to organise and steer this timely session, bringing together regional authorities, the Committee of the Regions, the European Parliament and the European Commission. The discussion highlighted crucial themes such as the importance of Cohesion Policy and implementation-focused programmes like EU4Health. Above all, it reaffirmed that tackling health inequalities requires cooperation across all levels of governance — local, regional and European. When addressing the so-called ‘postal code lottery’ in Europe, it is clear that meaningful action must start locally, in partnership with those closest to citizens.”

In conclusion, participants reaffirmed that investing “where it matters” means investing in regions and local authorities — empowering them with the tools, funding, and partnerships needed to shape a healthier and fairer Europe.