Launch of the Health Union Fellowship: Empowering EU Health Policy Professionals

The College of Europe officially hosted the inaugural cohort of the Health Union Fellowship on 10 February 2025, with an opening ceremony in Bruges. This fellowship aims to enhance participants' understanding of EU health governance, interinstitutional negotiations, and policymaking, while promoting cross-sectoral collaboration to address health challenges more effectively.

The opening ceremony featured speakers, including Federica Mogherini, Rector of the College of Europe; Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare; Sandra Gallina, Director-General of DG SANTE; András T. Kulja, Member of the European Parliament's Public Health Committee; and Josep Figueras, Ambassador of the Health Union Fellowship and Director Emeritus of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies.

The two-day event included sessions organised by the College of Europe aimed at deepening participants' understanding of the EU’s policymaking processes. On 10 February, the session on the EU Policy-Making Cycle, Governance, and Institutional Landscape was followed on 11 February by a Role Play/Simulation Exercise on Interinstitutional Negotiations. These activities aimed to equip fellows with the skills necessary to contribute to the development of both EU and national health policies, while fostering greater cross-sectoral cooperation.

The Health Union Fellowship brought together 28 fellows from across the EU, all nominated by their respective Member States. This cohort benefited from seminars, mentorship, and collaborative activities, expanding their expertise and creating a valuable network of professionals dedicated to shaping effective health policies in Europe.

The fellowship is designed to address health inequalities, strengthen EU health policy, and ensure that EU and national health authorities collaborate more effectively on pressing public health challenges. With continued support from mentors and single points of contact in Member States, the fellowship is well-positioned to foster a new generation of leaders in European health policy.

The College of Europe is proud to be part of the fellowship, which represents a crucial investment in the future of the European Health Union, empowering fellows to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of EU health governance.

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