Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, on behalf of the European Commission, has confirmed that the forthcoming renewed strategy for the EU's outermost regions (ORs) will include further measures to support their healthcare systems. In a written answer to a parliamentary question from S&D MEP Sérgio Gonçalves, Fitto stated that health will be addressed both as a fundamental need for citizens and as a key policy priority for ensuring resilience against external shocks. The answer signals the Commission's intention to maintain and potentially expand tailored support for ORs, which face lower healthcare capacity, fewer professionals, higher infant mortality, and greater risks of tropical diseases and pollution-related illnesses.
Fitto's response comes in reply to a question submitted by Gonçalves, who sought clarification on the implementation of health-related measures from the 2022 OR strategy and the direction of the upcoming strategy. The Commission's assessment of the 2022 strategy, published in a Staff Working Document in October 2024, confirmed the continued need for tailored support. Fitto highlighted that EU support has been channelled through cohesion policy funds, EU4Health, and Horizon Europe, complementing Member States' primary responsibility for healthcare organisation and delivery. These instruments have contributed to strengthening resilience, access to care, prevention, workforce capacity, and innovation in the ORs.
The answer is largely declarative, reiterating existing commitments without announcing new numerical targets, deadlines, or specific funding allocations. It does not provide a detailed assessment of current access to healthcare, medical capacity, or medicine availability in the ORs, instead referring to the 2024 staff working document for implementation details. The policy orientation is one of continued EU engagement and integration, balancing support for regional health systems with respect for national competences. Institutional follow-up is expected with the publication of the renewed OR strategy, though no specific date is given. The Commission's approach maintains the status quo of using existing EU funds and programmes, with no indication of a major shift in resources or regulatory powers.