Picture taken from European Commission.
We are pleased to welcome Olivér Várhelyi as the new European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare. Commissioner Várhelyi’s dedication to health priorities, including the EU Pharmaceutical Reform, the new Critical Medicines Act, the implementation of the EU Beating Cancer Plan, and the European Health Data Space offer a promising path to addressing critical gaps in paediatric oncology. These initiatives can drive innovation, improve access to tailored treatments, and ensure high-quality care for children regardless of their location.
Unfortunately, childhood cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death in children over the age of one in Europe. Each year, 35,000 children are diagnosed with cancer, and disparities in care and research lead to unequal survival rates across countries. Commissioner Várhelyi’s commitment to reduce these inequalities is vital. We are hopeful that key priorities - such as less toxic treatment for children with cancer, stronger cross-border healthcare, and enhanced data sharing - will make our fight against inequalities more effective and improve outcomes for young patients.
The European paediatric oncology community looks forward to collaborating with Commissioner Várhelyi over the next five years to bring about meaningful change for children and families affected by cancer.