Human health, animal health, plant health and the health of our environment are deeply connected, forming a single common system. Policymakers need to recognise these connections, and do more to seek optimal outcomes for people, animals, the environment, and the ecosystems that we are all part of, rather than taking a narrow anthropocentric view.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionise scientific discovery, accelerate research progress, boost innovation and improve researchers’ productivity. The EU must take hold of the opportunities this brings, and in a timely way. But it must also respond to the challenges and risks associated with this fast-evolving technology.

For Europe to achieve its health and sustainability goals, the way we produce and consume food has to change.

Improving crisis management has become an essential issue for protecting and enhancing present and future wellbeing in the EU and globally.

Organised cancer screening programmes save lives. The earlier a cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chances of treating it successfully and straightforwardly.

There are many possible pathways towards a carbon-neutral future. Achieving it by 2050 is possible, but this requires urgent action.

Plastic pollution is a worldwide problem, and it is still growing. Each year, more and more plastic ends up in the natural environment, raising concerns of risk to the environment, animal and human health.

This current crisis has taught us that much of Europe was insufficiently prepared. At the same time, we know that COVID-19 will not be the last pandemic or indeed crisis that will emerge.