Improve skills and working conditions to keep healthcare professionals in Europe

The EPP Group wants better training, working conditions and career opportunities to retain healthcare professionals amid EU-wide staff shortages. The European Parliament is set to support these priorities today by adopting its plan to address the EU’s health workforce crisis, while respecting Member States' responsibility for health. 

"Europe must invest in the people who keep its healthcare systems running. Better training, career prospects and working conditions are essential to retain skilled professionals and reverse brain drain. We also need to make it more attractive for healthcare professionals to work in rural, remote and underserved areas, where shortages are hitting patients hardest," says Loucas Fourlas MEP, Parliament’s negotiator for the report in the Employment Committee.

"Europe cannot afford to continue losing highly trained healthcare professionals. We must tackle the brain drain by offering them better working conditions, professional development and genuine career prospects so they can build their future in Europe. Investing in the people who care for us is ultimately an investment in every citizen: better-supported healthcare professionals mean safer, more accessible and higher-quality care for all," Fourlas stresses.

The EPP Group also supports better recognition of professional qualifications, continuous training and digital tools that reduce administrative burdens and improve access to healthcare.

"Healthcare professionals are the backbone of our health systems, and more must be done to support, retain and value them, particularly in regions where shortages are most acute," says András Tivadar Kulja MEP, Parliament’s negotiator for the report in the Health Committee.

"Citizens expect Europe to provide concrete solutions to the challenges affecting their daily lives. The EPP Group is ready to act where the EU can genuinely add value to healthcare systems. Europe can make a difference by supporting better working conditions, strengthening the workforce, encouraging cooperation and the exchange of best practices and helping to reduce inequalities in access to healthcare across the Union," adds Kulja.