This year’s announcement of the ten leading MEPs in European health policy was also an opportunity to reflect on what leadership means in 2026.

MEP Tilly Metz said that while 2025 marked important legislative developments — from the pharma package to growing momentum on critical medicines — 2026 would not simply be about implementation: “From the One Health approach and exposome research, to tackling medicine shortages, strengthening the healthcare workforce, advancing Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, revising tobacco legislation, and pushing for a comprehensive Mental Health Strategy, the work continues.”

A concern at the forefront for many MEPs is the growing struggle to recruit and retain healthcare workers. MEPs Marta Temido and András Kulja listed this as one of their top priorities. “It is not sustainable,” said Kulja…