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The Call to Action for Digestive Health in Europe

The United European Gastroenterology (UEG), representing over 50,000 professionals in digestive medicine across Europe, has issued a strong appeal to EU policymakers. They are urging for the health of the digestive tract to be recognized as a priority in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. This initiative is crucial not only for enhancing the health of individuals but also for strengthening the overall competitiveness of Europe.

Currently, around 332 million Europeans suffer from digestive diseases, yet these conditions are not adequately considered in the EU’s funding strategies. This lack of attention leads to high mortality rates, disabilities, social inequities, and economic losses. Notably, cancers of the digestive system are among the leading causes of cancer deaths, many of which arise from preventable risk factors. Consequently, the need for investment in prevention and early detection is underscored, highlighting the urgent necessity of EU interventions.

The UEG White Paper indicates that digestive diseases cost EU economies approximately 25 billion euros due to inpatient care (accounting for about 0.12% of GDP) and an estimated 89 billion euros in indirect productivity losses. Even a slight reduction in premature mortality could lead to substantial savings, making investments in prevention, innovation, and research not just necessary but strategic for the economic resilience of Europe.

Joost PH Drenth, the President of UEG, emphasizes that "the health of the digestive organs is a significant societal and economic priority, and it should not be viewed merely as a medical issue." He argues that the extent of these diseases and their escalating costs justify the need for incorporation in the next long-term EU budget. The anticipated investments through the 10th Research Program (RP10) and the EU4Health program beyond 2027 are deemed vital for advancing prevention measures, enhancing the resilience of health systems, and translating research into tangible health outcomes.

While the UEG welcomes the establishment of the 10th RP as an independent program, they express disappointment over the absence of a designated health fund specifically for digestive diseases. They are pushing EU decision-makers to elevate digestive diseases to a priority status within RP10, including focused initiatives for prevention, digestive tract cancers, liver and immune-mediated diseases, microbiome-nutrition metabolism research, and implementation sciences.

The UEG also proposes the introduction of a flagship program for research and innovation in digestive health (RP10) to coordinate cross-border research efforts and expedite practical applications. Furthermore, they advocate for the development of an EU infrastructure for digestive health data, aligning with the European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation, including federated registries and platforms for demonstrating real-world evidence.

Ensuring the protection of public interest research and academic clinical trials is also crucial for fostering sustainable collaboration. Investments in prevention and addressing inequalities, while embedding digestive health into EU strategies for resilience and competitiveness, are pivotal steps forward.

Alexander Hann, Chair of the UEG Public Affairs Group, asserts that “decisions made in 2026 will shape Europe’s health and research landscape for the next decade.” He adds that integrating digestive health into RP10 and the MFF 2028-2034 represents a cost-efficient investment that can improve patient outcomes and enhance EU competitiveness.

In conclusion, UEG’s call to place digestive health at the forefront of EU policy-making reflects a broader understanding of health as a multifaceted issue that intertwines with economic stability and societal wellbeing. The time for action is now, as the future of Europe’s health policies hinges on the outcomes derived from this critical focus area.