The presidency through the eyes of its creators, or a summary of the MZ

During a wrap-up meeting at the Ministry of Health on July 3, 2025, it was stressed that health cannot be treated as a mere component of social policies - it is one of the pillars of the continent's security today.

- The presidency is not only a glamour and a great responsibility - it is a chance to put really important topics on the European agenda. Health is one of them," said Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna. - Thanks to our joint work, we negotiated the pharmaceutical package and put the mental health of young people at the center of European attention, she added.

Deputy Minister Katarzyna Kacperczyk noted the efforts of many communities: - This was a joint success of public institutions, universities, patient organizations, experts and industry. Everyone contributed a brick to this puzzle.

The presidency through the eyes of its creators

Representatives of key health institutions - Grzegorz Cessak (URPL), Agnieszka Dudra (BDSC), Paweł Koczkodaj (NIO) and Artur Malczewski (KCPU) - also spoke at the meeting.

The Polish presidency came at a time of important legislative decisions. The focus was on four areas:

• Protecting the mental health of children and adolescents in the digital age,
• Prevention - especially cancer prevention,
• Digitization of healthcare systems,
• Drug safety and access to therapies.

Pharmaceutical package - a step towards equality

One of the most important successes was the negotiation of a common position of member states on the pharmaceutical package - the biggest reform of pharmaceutical law in the EU since 2004. The document enables further negotiations with the European Parliament and the European Commission, and assumes the development of innovation, faster access to medicines and a level playing field for patients across the Union.

Critical medicines - Europe independent of imports

Equally important was the launch of the Critical Medicines Act, which aims to strengthen the production of key medicines in Europe. - Today, we import as much as 80 percent of active substances from outside the Union, it was stressed. The new legislation is intended to help make Europe less dependent on external supplies and more resilient to crises.

Youth mental health - the voice of the younger generation

For the first time ever, young Europeans have actively co-created EU health policy - in an area that directly affects them. The conclusions adopted by the Council of the EU included recommendations for protecting the mental health of children and young people in the digital world. Students of the 3rd High School in Gdynia, among others, were involved in the process of creating the document.

Prevention - an investment in a healthy future

From conferences to working meetings, prevention was constantly on the agenda. Experts discussed screening programs, health promotion and education. A strong emphasis was placed on leveling the playing field - so that access to prevention did not depend on zip code.

Digital health and data security

Significant progress was also made in the area of the European Health Data Space (EHRD). The Polish presidency also marked the beginning of debates about the cyber security of health systems and medical devices - a topic that is increasingly important in the age of digital transformation.

Next steps - on solid foundations

The Polish presidency ends with concrete results and a strong message: health must remain one of the pillars of European policy. The work will be continued by Denmark, which takes over the presidency of the EU Council. Poland leaves its partners with a coherent framework, an ambitious agenda and a readiness for further cooperation.

- These are not just documents - they are real changes that will stay with us for a long time," the meeting participants stressed.

Source: MZ