#None #Digestive Health #UEG #EU Health Investment

Urging Action for Digestive Health: A Call to the EU

United European Gastroenterology (UEG), representing over 50,000 professionals dedicated to digestive health across Europe and beyond, has voiced a critical request for EU policymakers to formally prioritize digestive diseases within the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, along with the 10th Framework Programme (FP10). They are advocating for targeted investments through the EU's next health funding initiatives.

Digestive diseases impact approximately 332 million Europeans, yet they continue to receive insufficient attention and funding within the EU's budget allocations. These conditions contribute significantly to mortality, disability, social inequalities, and lost economic productivity. Notably, various gastrointestinal cancers—major contributors to cancer mortality—are associated with preventable risk factors, underscoring the EU's urgent need to invest in preventive measures and early screening initiatives.

According to UEG’s white paper, the economic burden of digestive diseases on EU economies amounts to roughly 25 billion euros in hospital care, representing about 0.12% of the EU’s GDP, coupled with 89 billion euros lost in indirect productivity. Even modest reductions in premature mortality could lead to annual savings in the billions, making investments in prevention, innovation, and research vital for reinforcing Europe’s economic resilience.

Joost PH Drenth, president of the UEG, stated, “Digestive health is not merely a medical issue but a crucial societal and economic priority. Its vast implications and the soaring costs justify an explicit prioritization within the EU’s forthcoming long-term budget.” He emphasized that future directives under FP10 and the EU4Health program post-2027 are essential for driving preventive strategies, enhancing health system resilience, and translating research findings into tangible health outcomes.

While UEG welcomes initiatives poised to establish FP10 as a distinct program, they express disappointment over the lack of a dedicated health fund addressing digestive diseases. They strongly encourage EU decision-makers to:

• - Prioritize digestive diseases within FP10, with dedicated calls for projects aimed at prevention, digestive cancers, liver diseases, immunotherapy, microbiome research, nutrition, metabolism, and implementation sciences.
• - Launch a flagship digestive health research and innovation program (FP10) to coordinate cross-border research and expedite practical applications.
• - Develop a European health data infrastructure for digestive health in line with the EHDS regulation, encompassing federated registries and real-world evidence platforms.
• - Safeguard public interest research and academic clinical trials by enabling sustained collaboration.
• - Invest in preventive measures and reduce health inequalities by integrating digestive health into the EU's resilience and competitiveness strategies.

Alexander Hann, UEG's public affairs group president, remarked, “Decisions made in 2026 will significantly shape Europe's health and research landscape for the next decade.” He reiterated that integrating digestive health into FP10 and the MFF 2028-2034 represents a cost-effective investment that improves patient outcomes while enhancing EU competitiveness.