EURORDIS congratulates new European Commissioners on their confirmation
27 November 2024, Strasbourg – EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe welcomes the new European Commissioners on their confirmation by the European Parliament.
We look forward to collaborating with them to address the needs of the 30 million people in Europe living with a rare disease.
Among the confirmed European Commissioners who will be particularly important to EU citizens impacted by rare diseases are:
- Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare. Mr Várhelyi’s portfolio includes continuing negotiations around the revision of the EU general pharmaceutical legislation, proposing the Critical Medicines Act, advancing the implementation of the European Health Data Space, upscaling genome sequencing across the Union, strengthening European Reference Networks (ERNs) to improve care for those with rare and complex diseases, and – likely – reviewing the Medical Device Regulation.
- Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation. Ms Zaharieva oversees the Horizon Europe Programme to advance research addressing societal challenges. Her objectives for the next five years will be to foster a conducive environment for startups by improving funding access and reducing administrative burdens, while driving digital innovation through AI and emerging technologies and enhancing Europe’s research infrastructure.
- Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management, and Equality. Ms Lahbib’s expanded portfolio includes health preparedness, overseeing reproductive and sexual health issues, and strengthening the EU Civil Protection Mechanism for coordinated responses to health crises and natural disasters. In her equality mandate, she will promote policies to combat discrimination, foster inclusion, and implement the EU disability strategy.
Responding to the confirmation of Olivér Várhelyi in particular as the European Commissioner for Health, Valentina Bottarelli, Public Affairs Director at EURORDIS, said:
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Responding to the confirmation of Ekaterina Zaharieva as the Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Roseline Favresse, EURORDIS Research Policy and Initiatives Director, said:
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Finally, responding to the confirmation of Hadja Lahbib as the Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management, and Equality, Raquel Castro, EURORDIS Director of Social Policy and Initiatives, said:
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EURORDIS remains dedicated to working with the newly confirmed European Commission to strengthen the European Health Union and ensure that the rare disease community has the healthcare access, treatments, support, and opportunities they need to fully engage in daily life.
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About EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe
EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe is a unique, non-profit alliance of over 1,000 rare disease organisations from 74 countries that work together to improve the lives of the 30 million people living with a rare disease in Europe. By connecting people, families, and rare disease groups, as well as by bringing together all stakeholders and mobilising the rare disease community, EURORDIS strengthens the patient voice and shapes research, policies, and services.
Contact
Julien Poulain
Communications Manager
EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe
Julien.poulain@eurordis.org
+33 6 42 98 14 32