Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, ALDE's lead candidate for the June elections and Chairperson of Germany’s Defence Committee, emphasizes the need for a collective European security strategy to protect against threats like Russia. She advocates for a coordinated EU foreign policy and a stronger European identity. Strack-Zimmermann criticizes the rise of nationalist parties and the current European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, for not addressing Europe's security and adding bureaucracy. The interview also touches on the importance of legal migration to Europe and the need to protect borders from illegal immigration.

Researchers at the University of Limerick, in collaboration with University Hospital Limerick and Queen’s University Belfast, have discovered a new species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Pseudocitrobacter limerickensis, in a hospital setting. The discovery, which has implications for global health due to the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), was published in the Journal of Hospital Infection. The study highlights the importance of addressing AMR, which the WHO has declared a top global public health threat. Ireland's approach to AMR includes a One Health National Action Plan, and the private sector is also taking steps, with Sandoz and Teva receiving AMR certification from the British Standards Institute. The European Commission is considering AMR in its reform of pharmaceutical legislation, with the pharmaceutical trade body EFPIA advocating for incentives to develop new antimicrobials.

Ireland's healthcare system faced severe overcrowding and staffing issues in 2023, with over 121,526 patients admitted without a bed and a 24% increase in children treated on trolleys. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation criticized the government for chronic underfunding and unsafe staffing levels. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly secured temporary funding for 2024 and announced the roll-out of 'virtual wards' to improve efficiency. MEP Billy Kelleher emphasized the need for a comprehensive government approach to training and hiring healthcare specialists. The government also plans to enhance the role of community pharmacists to alleviate hospital pressure. Long-term preventive medicine remains a challenge due to political short-termism.

The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association has raised concerns to the Oireachtas about the slow access to innovative medicines in Ireland, with some patients waiting up to 1,000 days. Medicines available in other European countries and Northern Ireland are delayed in Ireland due to a complex approvals process and insufficient funding. MEP Grace O’Sullivan criticized the two-tier health system and called for procurement reforms. The Health Service Executive is responsible for drug pricing and reimbursement decisions, but the process has been criticized for not aligning with faster adoption rates in other countries. The Department of Health acknowledges the voluntary nature of the private health insurance market and its limitations. A Mazars Review found the reimbursement process to be in line with international norms but identified areas for improvement. Ipsos polling indicates that a majority of Irish people believe access to new medicines is slower in Ireland compared to Europe, especially for rare diseases and cancer.

The political agreement on the AI Act could give Europe a competitive edge, but there's a risk of widening the EU's regional innovation divide. McKinsey's report highlights the need for Europe to nurture its startup ecosystem to close the gap with the US. EIT Health and the Regional Innovation Scheme aim to promote healthcare innovation across Europe, especially in regions with modest innovation capacity. The EIT Community maps synergies across industries and focuses on upskilling to prevent brain drain. Commissioner Thierry Breton emphasizes the need to mobilize private funds for health innovation. The Horizon Europe funding program and the Venture Centre of Excellence, operated by EIT Health and the European Investment Fund, are key initiatives supporting this goal. Success stories like iLof, Iyoni, and Ligence illustrate the potential of cross-regional collaboration and high-quality innovation projects.

Dutch experts, including Wim de Vries of Wageningen University, highlight the challenges of meeting the EU's ambitious nitrogen emission targets. A €1.5 billion buyout scheme for Dutch farmers aims to halve emissions by 2030, but faces criticism for its impact on production and environmental sustainability. The European Environmental Bureau criticizes the European Commission's approach, while COPA-COGECA and FoodDrinkEurope express concerns over profitability and resource allocation. De Vries emphasizes the need for a balance in fertilizer use, efficient farming practices, reduced meat consumption, and food waste to address the issue comprehensively.

The Irish government has set up an Expert Taskforce to explore the potential for pharmacists to play a more significant role in healthcare, acknowledging their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing the shortage of GPs. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced plans to allow pharmacists to extend prescription validity from six to 12 months. Clare Fitzell from the Irish Pharmacy Union highlighted the trust and accessibility of pharmacists to patients, their ability to manage patient care, and the importance of recognizing pharmacists' expertise to alleviate GP workload.

Ireland's hospitals faced severe overcrowding in 2023, with over 121,526 patients admitted without available beds and a 24% increase in children treated in ambulances. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation criticized the government for chronic underfunding and poor staffing. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly secured bridging finance for 2024, but it is deemed insufficient. Plans for virtual wards aim to alleviate pressure by transitioning some patients to home care. The article highlights the need for more specialists and effective government policies to attract international talent, alongside long-term preventive healthcare strategies.

Ireland is on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, thanks to the HPV vaccination program for both girls and boys. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced that Ireland is in a strong position to exceed the World Health Organisation's global targets. The Irish Cancer Society supports this goal but emphasizes the need for continued investment in vaccination and screening. Extensive data modeling by the Health Service Executive and international researchers predicts the elimination of cervical cancer in Ireland by 2040. The EU Commission highlights regional inequalities in cancer care and plans to support member states in improving HPV vaccination and screening. The ECO HPV Action Network advocates for broader vaccination to prevent various cancers.

Ireland is on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, driven by HPV vaccination for both girls and boys. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and the Irish Cancer Society emphasize the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and investing in cervical cancer screening. The Health Service Executive (HSE) uses data modeling to predict the elimination timeline, supported by research from the Daffodil Centre. The European Commission acknowledges disparities in cancer care across the EU and aims to reduce these through its cancer plan. HPV vaccination is also highlighted as a preventive measure for other cancers.