Conference on the Future of Europe

The Conference on the Future of Europe is a great opportunity for European citizens to discuss Europe’s challenges and priorities. This Conference allows people to contribute in the shaping of the future of Europe.

The European Conference on the future of Europe focused on the following topics: better ways of living; protecting our environment and our health; redirecting our economy and consumption; sustainable society; and caring for all. The theme of “Reinforce the healthcare system” in the Stream called “Caring for all“ is key for ENRF.

During the Conference, nurses input to the European Citizen’s panel 3 “Climate change, Environment / Health” addressed pressing topics such as the effects of climate change, environmental issues and the new health challenges facing the European Union. These topics relate directly to the EU’s objectives and strategies for the future in the domain health, with direct implications for the European research agenda and for the European healthcare systems and lifestyles.

Based on what it emerged during the Conference on the Future of Europe, 51 recommendations on the above topics were adopted. There is a need to push and promote both new and existing health research and innovation programs. Also for the healthcare sector, a budget increase was requested for joint research and innovation projects “Health-related research and investments will in the long-run strengthen preventive medicine and decrease health-related costs. More funding could prevent the European brain drain to other developed countries with higher R&D Panel 3 Session 3 – 19 European Citizens’ Panel 3: “Climate change and the environment / Health” health-specific budgets. This funding should not be coming from already existing healthcare financial resources.”

In this context, nursing research activities are fundamental to create a robust and resilient healthcare system. The Conference on the Future of Europe is a great opportunity in which the European Parliament, the Commission and the European Council commit themselves to listen to the voice of the citizens and to follow up on their recommendations.  By spring 2022, the conference is expected to reach conclusions and provide guidance on the Future of Europe.

Don’t miss the opportunity to shape the future, don’t miss the opportunity to leave the mark, “The future is in your hands”!