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. EFN is part of these discussions.
The European Conference on the future of Europe, held online last November, 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. EFN, represented by the President, Elizabeth Adams, and the Secretary General, Paul De Raeve, was invited to share the nurses’ views on the theme of “Reinforce the healthcare system” in the Stream called “Caring for all”.
During the Conference, EFN expertise was appreciated in the European Citizen’s panel 3 “Climate change, Environment / Health” addressing 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.
The 51 recommendations are adopted and aims at reinforcing the healthcare system. For shaping a great and resilient healthcare system to ensure a better Future of Europe, the contribution and the efforts of 3 million nurses are essential. Indeed, they are the most representative part among the healthcare professionals. They know perfectly well what is needed to build a strong and robust healthcare system able of dealing with future health crises. For this reason, their voice is essential and it can play a key role for the Future of Europe.
In conclusion, the Conference on the Future of Europe is a great opportunity in which the European Parliament, the European 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.
No matter where you come from or who you are, your word matters! As European citizen, you have the right to leave your mark for the future of the European Union, so don’t miss this opportunity because “the future is in your hands”.