"The Leftists are not in favour of private initiatives and private entrepreneurship. They think the state can solve everything, but somebody has to earn the money." - MEP Tomislav Sokol
EPHI representative Adam Schlüssler discussed with MEP Tomislav Sokol - widely seen as the European Parliament’s most influential health policymaker - the future direction of Europe’s healthcare systems. As the EU prepares its next health policy chapter, biotechnology, cardiovascular health, tobacco rules and preventive care are rising quickly on the Brussels agenda.
The discussion centred on Europe’s biotech competitiveness, Europe's cardiovascular health plan and the upcoming debate around tobacco directives, particularly on harm reduction and alternative nicotine products. Finally, they discussed the role of private actors and the broader shift of Europe’s health systems from a reactive healthcare model to a preventive healthcare approach.
They also touched on the political divide around economic policy, arguing that parts of the radical left remain sceptical of free trade and entrepreneurship, placing excessive faith in state-led solutions despite the fact that sustainable public healthcare ultimately depends on wealth creation and private-sector innovation.
Adam Schlüssler,
EPHI's Brussels representative
Watch the full Interview here.