How a European Health Union Can Strengthen Global Health

The COVID-19 outbreak has driven the European Union (EU) towards greater internal health integration and a leading role in global health policy. The European Commission's call for a European Health Union offers an opportunity to enhance the EU's global health influence. In 2020, the EU supported the WHO, launched vaccine initiatives, and proposed an international pandemic treaty, emphasizing its diverse role in global health, including trade and environmental standards. The EU's ability to set global standards, known as the "Brussels Effect," is crucial in areas like food, chemical, and digital health safety. The EU must strengthen its internal health role to support a robust global health agenda. The upcoming Portuguese Presidency should expand the EU's health competences, moving from outbreak preparedness to a comprehensive health strategy.

Keywords: European Health Union, European Union, global health, COVID19, health governance

JEL Classification: K32, K33

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Kickbusch, Ilona and de Ruijter, Anniek, How a European Health Union Can Strengthen Global Health (January 05, 2021). The Lancet Regional Health - Europe, volume 1, 2021 [10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100025], Amsterdam Law School Research Paper No. 2021-44, Amsterdam Centre for European Law and Governance Research Paper No. 2021-06, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4913719