European Commission Research Articles

Membrane-Free Water Electrolysis for Hydrogen Generation with Low Cost.

Conventional water electrolysis relies on expensive membrane-electrode assemblies and sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode. Here, we develop an innovative and efficient membrane-free water electrolysis system to overcome these two obstacles simultaneously. This system utilizes the thermodynamically more favorable urea oxidation reaction (UOR) to generate clean N2 over a new class of Cu-based catalyst (CuXO), fundamentally eliminating the explosion risk of H2 and O2 mixing while removing the need for membranes. Notably, this membrane-free electrolysis system exhibits the highest H2 Faradaic efficiency among reported membrane-free electrolysis work. In situ spectroscopic studies reveal that the new N2Hy intermediate-mediated UOR mechanism on the CuXO catalyst ensures its unique N2 selectivity and OER inertness. More importantly, an industrial-type membrane-free water electrolyser (MFE) based on this system successfully reduces electricity consumption to only 3.87 kWh Nm-3, significantly lower than the 5.17 kWh Nm-3 of commercial alkaline water electrolyzers (AWE). Comprehensive techno-economic analysis (TEA) suggests that the membrane-free design and reduced electricity input of the MFE plants reduce the green H2 production cost to US$1.81 kg-1, which is lower than those of grey H2 while meeting the technical target (US$2.00-2.50 kg-1) set by European Commission and United States Department of Energy.

Membrane‐Free Water Electrolysis for Hydrogen Generation with Low Cost

Conventional water electrolysis relies on expensive membrane‐electrode assemblies and sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode. Here, we develop an innovative and efficient membrane‐free water electrolysis system to overcome these two obstacles simultaneously. This system utilizes the thermodynamically more favorable urea oxidation reaction (UOR) to generate clean N2 over a new class of Cu‐based catalyst (CuXO), fundamentally eliminating the explosion risk of H2 and O2 mixing while removing the need for membranes. Notably, this membrane‐free electrolysis system exhibits the highest H2 Faradaic efficiency among reported membrane‐free electrolysis work. In situ spectroscopic studies reveal that the new N2Hy intermediate‐mediated UOR mechanism on the CuXO catalyst ensures its unique N2 selectivity and OER inertness. More importantly, an industrial‐type membrane‐free water electrolyser (MFE) based on this system successfully reduces electricity consumption to only 3.87 kWh Nm−3, significantly lower than the 5.17 kWh Nm−3 of commercial alkaline water electrolyzers (AWE). Comprehensive techno‐economic analysis (TEA) suggests that the membrane‐free design and reduced electricity input of the MFE plants reduce the green H2 production cost to US$1.81 kg−1, which is lower than those of grey H2 while meeting the technical target (US$2.00–2.50 kg−1) set by European Commission and United States Department of Energy.

Emergency politics from the inside: EU staff and the building of a task force during the Greek crisis

ABSTRACT This article examines the establishment of a task force inside the European Commission at the height of the Greek crisis, known as the ‘task force for Greece’. By adopting a perspective centred on the professionals employed in this ad hoc body, I investigate its symbolic and political significance within the broader framework of European emergency governance. Through a detailed analysis of the ethos and profiles of its personnel, the article argues that the task force represented a shift in crisis management, representing both a gesture of support and a counterbalance to the costs of austerity. The findings are grounded in extensive sociological fieldwork, including interviews, sociographic data and the analysis of documents, offering a comprehensive understanding of how EU staff shaped the task force’s mandate and operations under conditions of limited material resources and considerable political pressure. This research contributes to the study of crises and of European bureaucracy by elucidating the dynamic relationship between emergency politics and bureaucratic practices within the European Union.

On-Farm Production of Renewable Energy in 2014–2022

The main purpose of this study is to present family farms as consumers and producers of renewable energies which provide them with an opportunity to reduce operating costs. The time scope of the study is 2014–2022, and the Farm Accountancy Data Network is used as the data source. The following research methods were employed: comparative and descriptive analysis, intensity indicators, ranking assignment and panel regression. Based on the values of energy output and energy costs, the rankings revealed a strong position of the Netherlands and Germany. As demonstrated by the study, energy production and consumption volumes depend on the farms’ economic size, but are not impacted by production type. Another finding is that energy production covers only one-third of its costs. Also, both production volumes and costs were on a growth path on a year-over-year basis, with similar growth ratios. The European Union’s leaders in energy consumption and production are the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Slovakia and Sweden. The study included the structuring of panel models for energy output and costs and identified their determinants. Energy output depends on total inputs and grows as they grow. Energy costs, in turn, are related to utilized agricultural area, total output and family farm income. An important limitation of this study is that FADN is a provider of high-level data. Hence, it is impossible to tell what specific sources of renewable energy are used by farms, and how they are affected by such exogenous factors as climate, earmarked subsidies or energy policy. The findings from this study are discussed in the context of the European Commission’s recommendations laid down in the Bioeconomy Strategy of the EU (2013), the Seventh Environment Action Program, the New Innovation Agenda of the European Union, the Report “Transforming Our World: the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” and the Circular Economy Action Plan.

IMEEC: Boon for Logistics Sector

IMEEC is a planned economic corridor that aims to bolster economic development by fostering connectivity and economic integration between Asia, the Persian Gulf and Europe through UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Greece. On 10 Sep 23, the MoU was signed during the 2023 G20 New Delhi Summit by the Govt. of India, United States, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and European Union. The US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi along with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammad Bin Abdulazir Al Saud and President of European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen on Sep 9, 2023, announce the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor to create a “better future” at the sideline of 18th G-20 Summit in New Delhi. This is the first of its kind initiative on co-operation on connectivity and Infrastructure involving India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, EU, France, Italy, Germany and the USA.

Partial or complete replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal improves feed efficiency in laying hens between 22 to 30 weeks of age

Abstract The European Commission recently authorised the inclusion of insect meal in poultry feed. Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSF) has comparable nutritional value to soybean meal (SBM) and higher calcium content, making it an attractive alternative protein source for laying hens While a few studies have explored this objective, inconsistent results have been reported, likely due to variations in hen age, breed, husbandry systems, and sunflower meal composition across studies, making it difficult to draw clear conclusions. We hypothesised that partial or complete replacement of SBM with BSF has no adverse effects on egg production and quality in laying hens at the initiation of laying (22-30 weeks of age). This study consisted of three dietary treatments and nine replicates per treatment. Diets were a control diet, and two diets containing 5% (BSF5%) and 10% (BSF10%). The experimental unit was a pen (100 × 200 × 200 cm) of 14 Brown Nick laying hens resembling an aviary setting. We found that complete replacement of SBM with BSF10% in the diet of laying hens improved feed efficiency attributed to a lower feed intake in comparison to laying hens fed the BSF5% or the control diets, while production performance, body weight, and egg quality were maintained and the colour of the egg yolk increased. Therefore, replacing SBM with up to 10% BSF in brown laying hens in aviary pens at the initiation of laying had no adverse effects on production performance, chemical and physical characteristics, and sensory attributes of eggs. Maintaining production and egg quality with a lower intake of nutrients requires further investigation.

Au secours de la TVA: It Is Time for a True Union VAT System to Benefit Businesses, Member States and the EU Budget

In this Column, the author wishes for a harmonized Union VAT system to drive growth in the single market and reduce disputes. She provides suggestions to be considered by the EU Commission, Member States, EU Parliament’s FISC, Subcommittee on Tax Matters and the EU Commission’s VAT Expert Group to improve the VAT system in the European Union.

Incumbent or Challenger?—Assessing Ecosystem Competition in the DMA

Abstract This article examines the role of ecosystem competition and ecosystem power in designating gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The study is prompted by ByteDance’s objections to its designation, where it describes itself as a challenger instead of a gatekeeper. The article highlights the differing perspectives of ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, and the European Commission. ByteDance’s ‘challenger defence’ rests on the idea that they lack ecosystem power. Despite its success within the core platform service, the size of their ecosystem of products is small in comparison to other gatekeepers. This would indicate that they are not entrenched. The Commission focuses on gatekeeper power, and views ByteDance as another incumbent gatekeeper. The Commission currently conducts a very limited assessment of ecosystem power when designating gatekeepers, making it difficult to determine the validity of the ‘challenger defence’. Incorporating a more extensive assessment of ecosystem power and competition between ecosystem operators could enhance fairness and market contestability. Ignoring this aspect could lead to negative consequences and produce negative effects for users and competition in the long-term. The article proposes that there are benefits to contestability if the Commission expands its assessment to include ecosystem competition and offers suggestions on procedural implementation and effectuation of this broader analysis.

Analysis of digital capital for social inclusion in educational context

AbstractThis paper focuses on one of the aspects most investigated and monitored in recent years by the Digital Economy and Society Index on the digitisation process in Europe—human capital, with an in‐depth focus on primary school teachers. Human capital is one dimension underlying school digital capital, closely related to integrating digital into daily practices. Starting from this framework, the paper will present the results of a survey on the digital competencies of teachers from five European countries (Italy, Spain, Lithuania, Romania and Poland), carried out in the framework of the European project Erasmus+ CAVE (Communication and Visual Education in homeschooling). This survey is preparatory to a training intervention and didactic experimentation on digital education, foreseen in the project, and used as a theoretical framework of reference for the DigCompEdu survey, promoted by the European Commission. The teachers' profiles, as the output of the research, will be able to give stakeholders a picture of the investment of schools and teachers, in terms of the application of digital competencies on different educational processes: classroom teaching, assessment, professional training, preparation of teaching materials for the lesson and the implementation of competencies, including digital ones, of students.

The awareness of sharenting in Italy: a pilot study

BackgroundThis pilot study examines the widespread phenomenon of “sharenting” and how it is perceived by parents. Given the increasing prevalence of this practice, the study aims to explore parental awareness of its potential risks and assess whether it is perceived as a form of child abuse, particularly regarding the violation of children’s privacy. While traditional forms of child abuse inflict direct harm on the child, sharenting can damage the child’s image and pose risks to their well-being, both in the present and the future. We evaluated the potential correlation between specific demographic characteristics and parents’ social media usage. The study aimed to assess the possibility of expanding the research by involving European pediatric societies to obtain comparable data and develop family education programs with the goal of limiting this phenomenon. It also emphasizes the important role that pediatricians and schools can play in these programs.MethodsThe study was designed using a survey model, one of the recognized quantitative research methods described in the literature and was conducted by the Pediatric Department of the University Hospital Campus Bio-Medico in Rome between November 2023 and January 2024.ResultsData from this study indicate that gender, age, education level, number of children, and number of social media accounts were not associated with sharenting phenomenon and suggest that the frequency and the onset time of sharenting were the main influencing variables in the perception of sharenting phenomenon as neglect and abuse.ConclusionsPreventive interventions, such as counseling and parental education, are essential to safeguard children’s well-being and prioritize their best interests, including their privacy and identity. Moreover, while the data from this study are limited, they underscore the importance of expanding data collection efforts across different countries. Establishing a comprehensive database could be beneficial for local and European governments in developing policies and educational programs aimed at mitigating potential risks associated with the improper exploitation of personal data, thus safeguarding children in both the short and long term.

In vitro validation of colon delivery of vitamin B2 through a food grade multi-unit particle system.

Colon target delivery of active ingredients is frequently applied in pharmaceutical products. However, in functional food and beverage applications, dietary supplements, and medical nutrition, formats targeting colonic delivery to improve human health are rare. Nevertheless, there is emerging evidence for beneficial effects of colonic delivered nutrients on gut microbiota and host health which increases the demand for sustainable food grade materials that are regulatory approved for application. In this paper, we describe a double layer coated multi-unit particle system (MUPS) with a diameter of approximately 730 microns consisting of food grade materials: shellac as outer layer, alginate as inner layer, cellulose as a core and riboflavin as active ingredient. The suitability of the MUPS for colonic delivery was tested in three well-established in vitro digestion and fermentation models: the USP Apparatus 3 and the TNO Intestinal Models 1 and 2 (TIM-1 and TIM-2). All systems confirmed the integrity of the MUPS under simulated upper gastrointestinal tract conditions with approximately 90% of the active ingredient being released under simulated ileal-colonic conditions. The TIM-2 model also showed the effects of riboflavin loaded MUPS on the microbiome composition with an increase in the production of short-chain fatty acids, acetate and butyrate. The results of these experiments provide a reliable basis for validation of this vitamin-loaded food grade MUPS in future human clinical trials. In addition, following the recent announcement of the European Commission to restrict intentionally added microplastics to products, the materials used in the described formulation offer an environmentally friendly alternative to often applied methyl acrylate based coatings.

Hestia to Demeter: Reducing Agrochemical Pollution to Empower Women Farmers

The 2020 Farm to Fork strategy by the European Commission aimed to reduce agrochemical pollutants and protect biodiversity but stirred controversy due to conflicts between intensive agriculture demands and environmental priorities. Strict limits on agrochemical residues required farmers to produce less. The de-intensification and agroecology prone policy impacted livelihoods, sparking political upheaval. Due to lack of pesticide alternatives and extension services, Lebanese exports have faced challenges complying with residue restrictions. Agricultural laborers and consumers are exposed to high levels of pesticide residue. Undocumented refugee women form a significant part of the agricultural workforce, and women led agricultural cooperatives have minimal access to funding, exacerbating gender inequity. The American University of Beirut (AUB) has played a pivotal role in agroecology research, rural development, and gender equity. Knowledge transfer promotes civic awareness and private sector partnerships. Local Natural enemies and parasites emerged as a residue-free alternative to agrochemicals. Biocontrol-based integrated pest management holds great potential for mitigating pesticides hazards to human and environmental health. Launching the “natural predators” initiative from women-run farms holds a great promise in dually resolving the problems of agrochemical pollution and gender equity in the agricultural sector. Empowering women in agriculture aims to transform their role from care work to farm management. This paper focuses on the technical aspects of developing “natural enemies” as pesticides alternative for Lebanese agriculture, aiming to overcome export challenges and revitalize the economy. "Farm to Fork meets Hestia to Demeter" underscores AUB's commitment to sustainability aligns climate action with gender equity. By supporting women entrepreneurs and addressing climate change's impact on public health, the initiative contributes to AUB's broader mission of advancing Lebanon and the region through Education for Sustainable Development.

The New European Bauhaus: Beautiful-Sustainable-Together in STARHAUS

The article ‘The New European Bauhaus: Beautiful-Sustainable-Together in STARHAUS’ aims to explore the principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) policy and analyze how these principles are implemented across various European projects, with a specific focus on the STARHAUS project. The New European Bauhaus is an interdisciplinary initiative launched by the European Commission to foster a sustainable and inclusive future by combining aesthetics, sustainability, and inclusiveness. It seeks to create spaces, products, and services that are environmentally friendly, inclusive, and accessible while enhancing quality of life.

9.Y.1. Breaking down silos: Maximizing the impact of different EU funding schemes in health

Abstract The European Commission (EC) has established various funding schemes to support large health initiatives, such as EU4Health, Horizon Europe, and Digital Europe. These initiatives aim to support research and innovation in order to tackle different health challenges faced by EU member states, improve the health and well-being in European citizens and invest in resilient health systems Funding can come in different forms such as grants, subsidies, loans, prizes, and procurements and is managed by different Directorates General of the European Commission. The EC offers a wealth of financial resources, enabling health scientists to conduct cutting-edge research. However, to make the full potential of the EC funding programmes it is essential to achieve interactions and synergies. Thematic interactions consider the underlying policies of specific actions, striving to connect projects focused on related topics rather than letting them work in isolation, and transferring results from one to another. Implementation interactions involve the sequential or cumulative funding of one or multiple projects. Moreover, the abundance of financial sources poses the possibility for duplication of efforts and redundancy among the various programmes. In addition, complexities in rules and guidelines pose challenges for researchers to fund their long term research projects through cumulative funding. To avoid redundancy and tackle health issues efficiently, it is essential to ensure collaboration and coordination across funding schemes to effectively address both overarching and specific health topics. The aim of this roundtable is to share with the audience the different funding mechanisms provided by the European Commission, explore barriers and challenges to fostering collaborative innovation through the funding programs, and demonstrate best practices for optimizing synergies across different programs. This round table gathers panelists from a variety of backgrounds covering the European Commission, national health institutes, NGOs and SMEs. Key messages • The European Commission provides diverse and rich funding schemes supporting health research and innovation to tackle European health challenges. • Complexities in rules and guidelines pose challenges and combined efforts of both the European Commission and research communities can foster collaborative innovation across the funding schemes. Speakers/Panelists Jinane Ghattas Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium Agnès Mathieu-Mendes HaDEA, EC, Brussels, Belgium Anabela Isidro Agência de Investigação Clínica e Inovação Biomédica, Lisbon, Portugal

8.B. Scientific session: Strengthening health information systems in the European Region

Abstract Strong health information systems (HIS) are essential for robust, evidence-informed policymaking and decision making in all levels of healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the vital importance of HIS, but also highlighted flaws and weaknesses across HIS in Europe. Common HIS challenges include limited resources and capacity; insufficient coordination and collaboration between HIS stakeholders, leading to fragmentation and problems with interoperability; lack of central governance; and limited use of health information for decision-making. Both at the level of the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) and the European Commission, policies and strategies are being implemented to support Member States in strengthening their HIS, thereby improving the availability of high quality, timely data for evidence-informed decision making, both at the country and international level. Supporting the further digitalization of HIS is an important element in this. In 2023, WHO/Europe and the European Commission joined forces in the field of HIS strengthening. This workshop will inform participants about current and future capacity building tools and activities that will be implemented under the umbrella of the EU-funded action ‘Supporting Member States in the WHO European Region in strengthening HIS and boosting health data governance and interoperability’. It will explain the policy as well as situation-on-the-ground contexts in which the action will be implemented. The workshop will start with a (1) presentation by WHO/Europe on the current HIS situation in the Region and what are the main priority areas in WHO’s work for the coming years. After that, (2) the European Commission will give more information on the above-mentioned EU-funded action and the related EU policy landscape, most notably the European Health Data Space (EHDS). Next, (3) WHO/Europe will present their catalogue of capacity building tools and activities, and share experiences with implementing these. Finally, (4) HIS modernization cases with enabling factors and challenges will be presented based on different countries’ real life experiences, illustrating the impact of HIS strengthening activities at the country level. Workshop participants will get a comprehensive overview of available HIS strengthening tools and activities in the European Region. This will help them in selecting and applying tools for strengthening their own national or regional HIS, and ensuring their HIS is prepared for aligning with the EHDS and other important policies and strategies. This will contribute to sustainable and future-proof HIS across Europe. During the workshop, there will be ample time for questions and discussion. In the discussion, participants will be asked whether they have any HIS strengthening needs that are not yet covered in the current package of tools and activities. This will help WHO and the European Commission to further harmonise their efforts with what is needed on the ground. Key messages • Despite investments in HIS following the COVID-19 pandemic, many challenges remain, which are often similar across European countries. • WHO/Europe and the European Commission have joined forces to strengthen HIS and boost health data governance and interoperability, while leveraging EHDS developments.

2.P. Scientific session: Improving health impact assessment in the context of EU policy cycle

Abstract The European Commission (EC) is responsible for planning, preparing and proposing better and simpler new policies, avoiding unnecessary burdens, and involving citizens and any interested stakeholders in the decision-making process. The EC is also responsible for evaluating existing European laws and proposing improvements where necessary. In achieving these goals, the EC has defined its “Better regulation” (BR) policy, governed by a set of common principles and established procedures, including the assessment of the most significant impacts on the economic, environmental, and social domains, among others. These assessments should be based on the best available evidence, which refers to multiple sources of data, information and knowledge, including quantitative (e.g. statistics and measurements) and qualitative data (e.g. opinions, stakeholder input, scientific and expert advice). BR’s principles and procedures also ensure the implementation of more effective, coherent, relevant and efficient initiatives, improving the transparency, participation, learning and accountability. With this approach, the EC also seeks to guarantee that all legislative proposals contribute to the 2030 sustainable development agenda, and to better planetary health. As stated in the EU Treaty (Article 168 TFEU), “a high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities”. Therefore, assessment of any potential health impacts should be addressed during the policy cycle. Health gains and health losses can be direct or indirect, and particular attention should be given to specific population groups that may be disproportionally affected by the intervention (e.g., children, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, the elderly, low-income groups). The design and improvement of healthy public policies was precisely the ultimate goal for which the WHO proposed in 1999 the Health impact assessment (HIA) approach. HIA practice is grounded in the WHO’s health definition, which encompasses physical, mental and social health and well-being, and it is closely linked to the social determinants of health framework and to Health in All Policy strategy. Several quantitative methods are available to estimate health impacts within HIA applied to policies. The environmental burden of disease (EBD) is one of them aiming at quantifying the impact of a health problem as measured by avoidable mortality/morbidity, financial cost, or other indicators attributed to environmental factors (e.g. exposure to chemicals). EBD approach allows policy actions to be based on estimated health gains, rather than on “safe environmental levels” of the risk factor alone. The main aim of this session will be to analyses different quantitative approaches and provide some recommendations and good practice on how epidemiological evidence can support the policy cycle, improving data collection, evaluation and reporting suitable to such context. Key messages • Refining epidemiologic data recording and reporting, especially uncertainty characterisation, is necessary to improve weight-of-evidence evaluations for a better regulation process. • Environmental burden of disease, as a tool for quantifying health impacts, provides crucial information to policy makers on how to regulate for better protecting population health.

2.L. Round table: Monitoring health reforms to inform policy innovation: the Health Systems and Policies Monitor

Abstract Background The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies’ (Observatory) Health Systems and Policy Monitor (HSPM) network convenes an international group of around 50 national health systems researchers from over 40 institutions across 31 high-income countries, including all EU countries, Canada, Israel, the UK and the US. In advance of the HSPM annual meeting, experts share the current year’s “top-three” health reforms in their countries via a standardized survey, soliciting details on content and general implementation processes. Reforms are iteratively organized into to 2 of 11 clusters, derived from the WHO health system building blocks. Experts then discuss background, status and content of national reforms in the year’s main clusters and initiate cross-country collaborations. A repository of over 650 reforms since 2018 has been created and is available online, showcasing reform patterns in HSPM countries. The collected data have informed studies on reform trends in HSPM countries from 2018-2019 and between 2020-2022, with work ongoing. Data are also consulted by researchers and policymakers wishing to learn about and from reforms in other countries. This workshop specifically aims to: • Inform participants about the methodologies used by the HSPM network to track reforms • Highlight common trends in major health reforms across countries since 2018 • Discuss national health reforms and the value of understanding and tracking these across countries • Identify research gaps in reform monitoring relevant to policy makers • Discuss how the health system research community can generate more relevant and actionable evidence Added-value The comparative analysis of reform trends provides insights into how systems operate and the types of reforms more likely to be implemented. The sharing of these insights also serves as a source of inspiration, allowing countries to learn from each other’s successes and failures and adopt proven best practices. This is relevant for policymakers and researchers striving to support health systems strengthening. Therefore, the workshop will support knowledge exchange between researchers and policymakers by (1) informing researchers and policymakers about similar ongoing reforms in other countries and (2) identifying areas where researchers can contribute to country reform agendas, and (3) stimulating interest in cross-country collaborative research on similar and topical reforms in different countries. Format This is a roundtable workshop chaired and moderated by the Observatory. An overview of reform trends and patterns since 2018 will set the scene, followed by an interactive discussion with policymakers and HSPM network members to (1) delve into trend dynamics and implications for health policy and research and (2) identify major (missing) research areas relevant to policymakers. In addition, we will leverage the geographic scope and expertise of the audience to reflect on the value of monitoring reforms. Key messages • Cross-country exchange of information on reform trends and implementation patterns can inspire future reforms and help policymakers identify promising policy approaches abroad. • Knowledge exchange between researchers and policymakers helps to determine evidence gaps and to generate relevant and actionable evidence that can drive policy innovation. Speakers/Panelists Reinhard Busse Berlin University of Technology, Berlin, Germany Ines Fronteira National School of Public Health - NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal Iwona Kowalska-Bobko Jagiellonian University Medical College, Institute of Public Health, Cracow, Poland Isabel de La Mata DG SANTE, European Commission, Luxembourg, Luxembourg Vesna-Kestrin Petric Ministry of Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia

BE-SAFE: Intervention to reduce benzodiazepine and sedative hypnotics in elderly with sleep problems

Abstract Introduction Benzodiazepine and sedative hypnotics (BSH) may have significant adverse effects and associated costs, especially in older adults: increased risk of falls, fractures, hospitalisations, impaired functioning, delirium, cognitive impairment and mortality. Addressing BSH overuse is therefore an urgent priority to improve patient safety in Europe. Objectives To present the 5-year research project BE-SAFE, funded by the European Commission (HORIZON Europe) and by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation. BE-SAFE aims to improve patient safety by addressing knowledge and practice gaps related to the reduction of BSH used by older adults for sleep problems. Methods BE-SAFE involves seven inter-related work packages and six European countries (Belgium, Greece, Norway, Poland, Spain and Switzerland) as well as experts from Canada; it proposes an interdisciplinary and inter-sectorial approach with experts in guidelines, implementation, dissemination, case studies, geriatrics and sleep. BE-SAFE will develop an intervention comprising trustworthy clinical guidelines, implementation recommendations and patient-centred material. This intervention will be tested in a cluster randomized controlled trial; 470 patients (65 years old and above) and 62 prescribing physicians in hospital and outpatient settings. Results BE-SAFE is expected to result in reduction of BSH use. Its toolkit, encompassing setting-specific implementation recommendations, will enable healthcare professionals (HCPs) to identify, evaluate and prevent risks of BSH use. The BE-SAFE approach could also be expanded to cover reduction of use of other medications. Conclusions Through BE-SAFE, patient safety is expected to improve; BE-SAFE project will reach a wide-ranging audience, including general population, informal carers, older adults, HCPs, healthcare system leaders and decision makers. Authors acknowledge the significant input of J. Grimshaw and W. Levinson, Canada. Key messages • Deprescription of benzodiazepine and sedative hypnotics, especially in older adults, is a priority due to their side effects, particularly in this age group. • The European project BE-SAFE aspires to create easy-to-use guidelines to this aim, improving thus patient safety and healthcare.

EU Global Health Strategy: Better health for all

The European Commission (EC) adopted a new EU Global Health Strategy in November 2022. The goal is advancing global health through policies tackling key challenges. The ongoing impact of climate change, biodiversity and pollution on global health and the interconnected and borderless nature of health are foundational concepts for the Strategy. There is also a focus on digitisation and research opportunities. Three priorities for the strategy are better health and wellbeing, strengthened health systems and combating health threats through a One Health approach. These will be achieved by following 20 guiding principles between now and 2030. The Strategy is part of Global Gateway, which seeks to reduce the global investment gap worldwide. The EU is collaborating with the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to tackle global health issues and improve prevention, preparedness and response via the EU Global Health Strategy. The Strategy will replace the EC’s 2010 Communication on the EUâ–™s role in global health and comes with important updates, such as a focus on climate change, environmental degradation, humanitarian crises and food insecurity and their negative impacts on health. Antimicrobial resistance, mental health and challenges in the health and care systems landscape will also be confronted by harnessing research and digitisation, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance new opportunities. The emphasis on a One Health approach will enhance access to vaccines, improve global disease surveillance and strengthen global collaboration on health issues, with numerous stakeholders pledging political commitment and shared responsibility to achieving goals.

Exploration of research projects on personalised prevention supported by the European Commission

Abstract The interaction between environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, and genetic predisposition affect individual susceptibility to chronic diseases. Personalised Prevention (PP) has emerged in the recent years as potential approach to integrate traditional public health approaches in prevention. The implementation of PP into national health systems so far has not realized its full potential due to a number of obstacles including scanty evidence from research. Within the project “PROPHET: A Map for Personalised Prevention in the Future of Healthcare”, we conducted an extensive mapping of currently active research projects in the field of PP. We carried out a scoping review according to Arksey and O’Malley methodology, followed by consultations with experts in personalised medicine and prevention. We included 45 ongoing research projects on PP, of which 57.8% were funded by Horizon Europe, 35.5% by Horizon 2020, and 6.7% by Eu4Health. Regarding disease types, 40% of the projects were about cancer, 20% on cardiovascular and 20% on neurological and psychiatric diseases, followed by metabolic diseases and other chronic conditions. Overall, the EC allocated approximately €160 million to cancer personalised prevention projects, roughly double of the funding dedicated to cardiovascular, neurological and psychiatric diseases. The emphasis on cancer projects is noteworthy, with Horizon Europe emerging as the main funding programme aligned with the ongoing Cancer Mission. Regardless of the disease, most of the projects addressed primary and secondary personalised prevention research. This is in line with the limited approaches in PP in the setting of primary and secondary personalised prevention (e.g., genetic testing to identify high risk subjects for breast cancer) compared to tertiary prevention (e.g., pharmacogenomics). This comprehensive mapping underlines the EU’s continued commitment to promoting PP, which is fundamental to the future of healthcare. Key messages • The EC prioritises significant financial resources towards cancer personalised prevention research projects, highlighting Cancer Mission as a focal initiative in the personalised prevention field. • European-funded projects focus on primary and secondary personalised prevention strategies. This suggest that we currently miss evidence in these areas.