During the second day of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) of the EU, which took place in Luxembourg, the Health Minister of Cyprus, Popi Kanari, expressed support for the establishment of a unified market for medicines.

Kanari highlighted the challenges faced by Cyprus as a small member state when it comes to accessing medicines. The main focus of the discussions was on strengthening the medicine ecosystem, fostering innovation, and improving accessibility, as stated in a press release from the Ministry.

The Minister emphasized the importance of equal access to medicines and called for the creation of a single market for medicines, proposing that the solution to the problem could involve providing incentives to pharmaceutical companies, such as reducing or exempting fees, and potentially modifying data protection periods for products specifically targeted at small Member States.

In terms of promoting competitiveness in the development of innovative medicines, the Minister advocated for directing research efforts towards addressing unmet medical needs and streamlining the certification process for innovative pharmaceutical products, which currently consumes significant amounts of time.

During the meeting, the health ministers also adopted a Council Recommendation aimed at strengthening EU actions to combat antimicrobial resistance, with a focus on the "One Health" approach that encompasses human and animal health, as well as the protection of plants and the environment. Kanari supported this Recommendation, highlighting the need for multi-level, cross-sectoral, and high-level international cooperation to effectively address the issue.

The Ministers also engaged in discussions about a French initiative proposing the establishment of a European day to commemorate the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cypriot Minister expressed her support for this proposal, emphasizing that such a day would provide an opportunity to honor both the victims of the pandemic and the frontline health professionals who bravely fought against it and saved human lives.

Additionally, Health and Food Safety Commissioner, Stella Kyriakides, briefed the 27 ministers on the Commission's recent communications concerning mental health issues. During a working lunch, the Health Ministers specifically discussed combating loneliness and the importance of fostering social connections, with a particular focus on supporting young people and the elderly.

On the sidelines of the Council, the Minister of Health held a bilateral meeting with her Dutch counterpart, Ernst Kuipers, to discuss the prevention and effective treatment of antimicrobial resistance. They exchanged experiences and ideas on this issue, and expressed their intention to continue their dialogue and cooperation with the aim of signing a Memorandum of Understanding.

The EPSCO Council, consisting of ministers responsible for employment, social affairs, health, and consumer policy from all EU member states, works to promote employment, improve living conditions, and ensure high levels of human health and consumer protection within the EU. The council holds four meetings annually, with two specifically focused on employment and social policy. Regarding health and consumer protection, while member states have the responsibility for defining their health policies and healthcare delivery, the council, in conjunction with the European Parliament, establishes legislation concerning the quality and safety of organs, blood, medicines, medical devices, and cross-border healthcare rights.