Since January 1, 2023, Sweden holds the six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union, also known as the Council of Ministers. During the Swedish presidency, some important EU legislation that shapes European healthcare will be negotiated. We spoke with Kara Brotemarkle (General Manager Sweden) and Elin Gustavsson (Strategy and Pipeline Partner Sweden) about what to expect from the Swedish Presidency.

Since January 1, 2023, Sweden has chaired the EU Presidency. What role will health policy play? Before that, Czech Republic had the chair. For the Czech Republic the main priorities in health care during presidency were the fight against cancer, negotiations on long-term corona vaccine contracts, the EHDS and the care of the Ukrainians. Where will Sweden set his focus?

The Presidency will address the many issues in the area of health and medical care that are due to be negotiated, such as the proposal concerning a Regulation for a European Health Data Space (EHDS), and advance the commission's forthcoming proposals on Pharma Legislation. The Presidency will also promote the implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, advance efforts to renew the EU Global Health Strategy and Antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

What role will the European Health Data Space play?

The EHDS is really important and on the new Swedish government's agenda as a key priority to the Swedish EU presidency. Sweden has already initiated many national inquiries that will move the country forward toward EHDS, indicating its position of support. At Roche, we believe this is a critical way forward to ensure improved patient outcomes and we continue to work with many of our stakeholders on how to develop the required elements to make EHDS a success.

Is there a chance that there will be major progress during the Swedish Presidency of Council?

Definitely. As EU topics are very high on the Swedish government’s agenda and two major regulations / legislations are passing during Sweden's presidency. Sweden is a leading life science nation, and has a strong role to play in ensuring an environment in Europe that values life science innovation. Many of the topics on the EU agenda during this time have the potential to shape the future of European health care.

What can we expect when it comes to pharma strategy and the European Beating Cancer Plan?

Sweden will promote the implementation of the EU Beating Cancer Plan. The country has had an ambitious Cancer Strategy in place, and has made impressive progress in the use of screening, diagnosis and access to treatment to improve patient outcomes over the years. Sweden can promote the best practices and ensure further progress is made in Europe on this important focus area.

Has Roche campaigned to the Swedish government for specific concerns in health care during their presidency?

Yes. Roche has been working closely together with the Swedish trade association for the research-based pharmaceutical industry (LIF) and campaigned to the Swedish government for several years. The focus areas have been precision medicine, implementation of the EU beating cancer plan and health data to support evidence generation & patient access.

Where do you see the greatest potential for the Swedish council presidency to leave a positive signature?

On all topics above. We recognize that Sweden, in its role as a leading life science nation, has an important role to play in ensuring an innovation-friendly environment in the EU. This will be relevant for many of the topics to be taken up by the EU during the time of the EU Presidency, not least of which is the update on Pharma Legislation.

Authors
Kara Brotemarkle - General Manager Sweden (on the left)
Elin Gustavsson - Strategy and Pipeline Partner Sweden (on the right)