Author: user user

Presidency: APM misunderstood Bagudu’s comments on economic reforms

The Presidency on Thursday dismissed the Allied Peoples Movement’s (APM) interpretation of comments by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, on the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms, saying the opposition party misunderstood the minister.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, told The Nation in a telephone conversation in Abuja on Thursday evening that Bagudu’s remarks did not amount to an admission that President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies had failed.

‘I’m sure they must have misunderstood what Bagudu said’, Onanuga said while reacting to a statement issued by the APM earlier on Thursday.

The opposition party seized on remarks Bagudu made at the Federal Appointees Strategic Summit in Abuja on Wednesday, where the minister acknowledged that the administration did not fully anticipate the scale of subsequent turbulence in the global economy and its impact on Nigeria.

Bagudu, while reviewing the administration’s economic reforms, said the removal of the petrol subsidy and foreign exchange market reforms came against the backdrop of significant economic challenges.

He acknowledged that the reforms, combined with international economic pressures, contributed to cost-of-living difficulties confronting Nigerians, but maintained that the measures were necessary to address longstanding economic distortions and place the economy on a more sustainable footing.

The minister also argued that the reforms had significantly strengthened the fiscal positions of the Federal Government, states and local governments by expanding resources available to the three tiers of government.

‘Rather than keeping additional revenues at the centre, the President has taken the position that we should give local governments and states more money and energise everyone so that we can interrogate and fulfil our responsibilities’, Bagudu said.

He maintained that the administration remained focused on translating the improved fiscal position into higher economic output, jobs, investment and improved living standards, stressing that increased government revenue alone would not constitute economic transformation.

The APM, however, interpreted Bagudu’s acknowledgement of the turbulence accompanying the reforms as an admission that the Tinubu administration failed to adequately anticipate the consequences of its economic policies.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the party said Bagudu’s remarks vindicated its criticism of the administration’s handling of the economy.

The party described the minister’s comments as ‘a gross admission of incompetence’, alleging that the government lacked adequate policy foresight and safeguards before implementing far-reaching reforms.

It argued that the removal of petrol subsidy, foreign exchange reforms and other economic measures had worsened living conditions, increased business costs and weakened the purchasing power of Nigerians.

The APM also claimed that the government had ignored warnings about the likely consequences of the measures, accusing the administration of failing to adequately cushion their immediate effects on households and businesses.

‘Now that the administration has admitted that it has failed and that it is responsible for the woes of the citizens, it is expected that President Tinubu should take responsibility, apologise to Nigerians and quit the 2027 presidential race’, the party said.

The APM consequently urged Nigerians to support its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, in the January 16, 2027 election, arguing that the country required a different approach to economic management.

But Onanuga’s response rejected the premise on which the opposition party based its statement, maintaining that Bagudu’s remarks had been misconstrued.

Bagudu’s comments at the summit had combined an acknowledgement of the immediate pressures associated with the reforms and external economic shocks with a defence of the administration’s decision to undertake them.

He said the government’s strategy was directed at long-term economic stability and inclusive growth, while arguing that the additional fiscal resources now available to states and local governments should be channelled into productive activities, infrastructure, education, security and other priorities capable of improving citizens’ living standards.

Cyprus joins EPPO probe into pound 15.7 million fraud in four countries

Cyprus authorities assisted in an international investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) into a large-scale fraud and VAT evasion case involving 15.7 million euros in mobile phone sales. The investigation led to the arrest of three people in Bulgaria and one in Germany, as well as the freezing of assets belonging to two suspects and two companies in Germany, worth 20.5 million euros, police said.

According to a police statement, Cyprus participated Wednesday in a Joint Action Day, during which coordinated operations were carried out in Austria, Bulgaria, Germany and Cyprus.

According to the statement, a total of five companies and one residence were searched in Cyprus, in Nicosia and Larnaca. Various documents and electronic data were seized as evidence during the searches. Statements are also being taken from various people as part of the investigation.

According to the evidence under investigation, the perpetrators developed a cross-border trading network involving companies in Bulgaria, Germany and Cyprus to illegally avoid paying VAT on online sales of mobile phones in Germany.

The statement said that, based on the evidence under investigation, the total amount involved in the fraud and VAT evasion is estimated at 15.7 million euros.

Police said searches of the homes and premises of the suspects, as well as the facilities of the companies involved, led to the arrest of three people in Bulgaria and one in Germany.

The searches also led to the freezing of assets belonging to two suspects and two companies in Germany, worth 20.5 million euros, the statement said. German authorities are taking steps to recover assets belonging to the companies involved.

The searches in Cyprus were carried out under the supervision of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office’s European Delegated Prosecutor in Cyprus, with the participation of the Cyprus Police and the Tax Department, as well as investigators from Germany who travelled to Cyprus to assist in Wednesday’s Joint Action Day, the police statement said.

Nigeria Is Better Than This

Recently, a misinformed religious cleric publicly unleashed hateful rhetoric against Christians while in the company of several governors. This unacceptable behavior was condemned by both Muslims and Christians alike. The preacher shockingly suggested that Nigerian Christians, who represent roughly half of the country’s population, should leave if they are unhappy with the current government. He failed to recognize an important truth: in Nigeria, elections are not decided by religious affiliation.

Our people vote for the best tribal and political arrangement that benefits them the most through party and regional cooperation designed to yield the biggest political dividend. This political strategy and compromise won Obasanjo, Goodluck, Buhari, and Tinubu, respectively, the presidency. Both Christians and Muslims voted for these presidents. It is therefore fraudulent to attribute APC’s victory to the voting power and supremacy of one religion over the other.

Leaders with a medieval mindset and a misguided sense of purpose have plunged Africa into chaos, despite its vast mineral resources, fertile lands, young population, and valuable human potential. Today, the continent is unjustly disrespected and treated with disdain by the global community, a consequence of the rampant disunity, distrust, destruction, and outright disregard for human life among its people. This attitude must change; Africa deserves recognition and respect for its true worth. We are better than this.

While other countries are aggressively exploring the immense resources and wonders of outer space and achieving groundbreaking scientific advancements, Africa is still mired in internal struggles, including ethnic rivalries, tribal wars, religious intolerance, terrorism, insecurity, and corruption. It is imperative that we shift our focus from these destructive conflicts to making significant contributions to the global economy and improving our continent’s GDP. Only then will we command the respect we deserve on the world stage. Nigeria must assert itself as a leader in this critical endeavor, reclaiming its lost glory through visionary, bold, and transformative leadership. The loudest voices in society are not always the most godly, the wisest, or the most knowledgeable. Volume does not equal truth, and influence does not always reflect wisdom. When ignorance, misinformation, and disinformation collide with tribalism, religious extremism, weak governance, corruption, poverty, terrorism, and insecurity, a failed state becomes inevitable. Nigerians must stand firm and insist that the worst elements do not define the promising future of our nation. Evil will prevail if good people remain silent or allow themselves to become indifferent to wrongdoing.

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right guaranteed to all Nigerians. However, when this right is misused to vilify a significant portion of the population and provoke hostility towards them, it becomes hate speech. Such rhetoric undermines moral decency and warrants serious legal examination. Our laws exist to uphold order, and no one should be permitted to flout them without consequences. It is deeply troubling that a cleric would label Christians as ‘infidels,’ failing to recognize their immense contributions to global civilization and technological progress. We must stand against such divisive language to foster understanding and respect among all communities.

Christians were instrumental in driving the Industrial Revolution, which resulted in groundbreaking advancements such as electricity, automobiles, aircraft, and telecommunications, along with the formation of modern states. Visionary figures like Michael Faraday, Isaac Newton, and the Wright Brothers, along with many other Christian scientists, made significant contributions that propelled society forward. It is evident that the most powerful economies, cutting-edge technologies, and strongest military forces are found in predominantly Christian countries.

According to the latest comprehensive global estimates from the Pew Research Center based on 2020 data, Christianity is the largest religion in the world, with approximately 2.3 billion people, or nearly 29% of humanity. In Sub-Saharan Africa (which includes Nigeria), Christians make up 62% of the population. This represents about 697.4 million Christians out of a regional population of approximately 1.125 billion people.

In Nigeria, Christian events dominate the largest religious gatherings across the country. Furthermore, Christians hold the majority of the largest private universities, own the biggest religious buildings, and have expansive networks. As per the Forbes list of Nigerian billionaires in 2026, an impressive 80% identify as Christians. In addition, 20 out of the 36 states have Christian governors, with the majority of the population in 19 states also identifying as Christian. Nonetheless, it is essential to recognize that without a comprehensive and credible population census, it is misguided for any faith to claim superiority over others.

Christian leaders and churches have played a vital role in the rehabilitation of displaced Christians and Muslims in the North, showing a commendable spirit of inclusivity. I urge everyone, regardless of their faith, to adopt this approach. Nigeria is our shared home, and it is our collective responsibility to unite in building a strong, cohesive, and sustainable nation rather than perpetuating divisions. It is essential for cultural, religious, and political leaders in the North to collaborate in tackling urgent issues such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and the widespread insecurity that has left millions of people homeless in this mineral-rich yet troubled region. Together, we can turn the tide and build the Nigeria of our dream.

BISHOP TONY MARIOGHAE is the Presiding Bishop of TEAM International, best-selling author, global conference speaker and the president of Nigerians in Diaspora Philippines (NIDOPHIL).

Naval Operatives Raid Lagos Hideouts, Arrest 2

The Nigerian Navy has arrested two suspected drug dealers and recovered five kilogrammes of cannabis sativa and 576 wraps of suspected illicit substances during raids on suspected drug hideouts in Epe and Ibeju-Lekki areas of Lagos State.

The operation, conducted on September 13, 2026, was carried out by a patrol team from Naval Base Epe following intelligence on suspected drug-peddling activities in the area.

The team first raided the Etitu area of Epe Local Government Area, where a suspected syndicate allegedly involved in the sale of cannabis sativa was operating, leading to the recovery of suspected cannabis.

The patrol team later moved to suspected hideouts around Gidan Drama, Kara Market and Eleko Junction in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, where two 28-year-old suspects, identified as Aliu and Olamide Ariyo, were arrested with suspected illicit substances.

Another suspected drug distribution hideout around Flower House, near the Paint Axis in Epe, was also raided, with additional suspected illicit drugs recovered.

According to the Navy, the operations yielded a total of 576 wraps of suspected illicit substances and five kilogrammes of cannabis sativa.

The suspects and recovered substances were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Epe for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The handover was conducted by Navy Lieutenant C. K. Ndubisi, representing the Commander, Naval Base Epe, to an NDLEA team led by ACN Tope Oluwafemi.

The Commander, Naval Base Epe, Navy Captain L.D. Deyin, warned drug dealers and other criminal elements to desist from illegal activities.

Deyin said the naval base would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations to deny criminals freedom of action and ensure that those involved in criminal activities faced the law.

Egg prices rise as poultry costs surge

Egg prices have risen in several parts of the country, with poultry farmers and traders attributing the increase to rising costs of chicken feed, medication, chicks, and other production inputs.

In Kamuli Municipality, Mr Peter Okocha Kasolo, the director of Madiba Poultry Farm in Kananage Village, says the rising cost of maize, a key ingredient in poultry feed, has increased the cost of egg production.

‘Currently, the price of maize is high, yet it’s paramount in making the feed for the birds. Therefore, the price of eggs automatically had to rise,’ he says.

He says a kilogramme of maize now costs about Shs1,300, up from Shs500, while the cost of medication and vaccination for chicks has also increased.

Mr Kasolo says a vaccination sachet for chicks that previously cost Shs5,000 now costs Shs7,000, adding to the cost of keeping poultry.

Njeru

In Njeru, Buikwe District, Ms Oliver Kateme, a poultry farmer, says the rising cost of feed is also responsible for the increase in egg prices.

She says a kilogramme of maize bran, which previously cost about Shs500, now costs around Shs1,100, although prices vary depending on the supplier.

She adds that a tray of eggs that previously cost about Shs8,500 wholesale now sells for between Shs10,000 and Shs12,000 or more.

‘Farmers are now forced to set prices depending on how much they spend on feeding, treating and caring for their chickens,’ Ms Kateme adds.

In Arua City, a tray of eggs now costs about Shs13,500 in most parts of the city, up from Shs12,500 last month.

Mr Jerry Dramadri, a poultry farmer in Arua City, says the increase is largely due to the rising cost and limited availability of chicken feed.

‘The prices of feeds have gone up and that is why we have raised the prices for eggs. We have few suppliers now because it is difficult to get maize, which is the main ingredient for chicken food,’ he says.

Mr Dramadri, however, expects prices to ease towards late October or November when farmers begin harvesting maize.

In parts of Arua District, an egg now costs Shs600, up from Shs500, while an egg from a local chicken costs about Shs1,300.

Ms Jennety Opinia, a consumer, said she hoped prices would fall soon, noting that eggs are an important and relatively affordable source of food.

In Kabale Town, prominent poultry farmer Nicodemus Odo Tumukwasibwe attributed the increase to higher poultry feed costs, a shortage of chicks and increased competition from large investors in the poultry sector.

He said reliable hatcheries had been out of operation for about eight months, affecting the supply of chicks and the availability of birds for egg production.

‘Although the increased prices of poultry feeds have been seen as the reason why the prices of eggs increased, lack of reliable hatcheries in the country to stabilise the parent stock is another challenge, especially after the government banned the importation of chicks from foreign countries,’ Mr Tumukwasibwe said.

He also said some large investors who had initially planned to add value to eggs had instead entered the market by selling eggs directly, further affecting competition and supply.

Kabale prices

Traders in Kabale, including Mr James Aguma, Ms Mary Hunama and Ms Agnes Kwatirira, said they had also increased their prices because farmers were charging more.

Ms Kwatirira said a tray that farmers previously supplied at Shs11,000 is now bought at about Shs13,000.

‘We used to sell it at Shs12,000, making a profit of Shs1,000. Because of challenges affecting poultry farming, farmers supply us with a tray of eggs at Shs13,000, and we sell it at Shs14,000,’ she said.

Ms Kwatirira said the higher prices had reduced the number of customers, although demand remained steady.

The rising egg prices have put pressure on both farmers and consumers, with traders warning that prices could remain high until the cost and availability of poultry feed and other inputs improve.

Farmers say increased production costs are leaving them with little choice but to pass the additional expenses on to consumers.

Arua prices

In parts of Arua District, an egg now costs Shs600, up from Shs500, while an egg from a local chicken costs about Shs1,300.

Ms Jennety Opinia, a consumer, said she hoped prices would fall soon, noting that eggs are an important and relatively affordable source of food.

Parliament seeks deeper ties with UK House of Commons

The Ugandan Parliament is seeking deep institutional ties with the United Kingdom’s House of Commons to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and draw lessons for reforms in the country’s legislature.

Speaker Jacob Markson Oboth said Uganda could draw valuable lessons from the UK Parliament’s long institutional history as it undertakes reforms to improve management and affairs of the legislature.

Oboth made the call on September 17 during his meeting with the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, in London.

Their discussion centred on legislative accountability, transparency and deepening UK-Uganda parliamentary diplomacy.

The meeting is part of Oboth’s broader efforts to reset the systems, structures and operations of Parliament, whose institutional framework was historically modelled on that of the House of Commons.

The House of Commons is the democratically elected house of the UK Parliament, responsible for making laws and checking the work of government.

Oboth said stronger relations could create opportunities for members and staff to share experiences through exchanges, attachments and benchmarking programmes.

“This is about consolidating our efforts to reset, revive and rejuvenate the management and affairs of the Parliament of Uganda,” Oboth said.

He further proposed an inter-parliamentary network to support cooperation between Uganda and the UK in areas of education, trade and mining.

“Such parliamentary relations should be strengthened to a level that brings the two parliaments and the two nations closer in jointly pursuing shared interests,” Oboth said.

The meeting is expected to pave way for further engagements, including cooperation in governance, education, trade and parliamentary administration.

Sir Hoyle congratulated Oboth on his elevation to the third office in the land and described his approach to parliamentary leadership as visionary.

He said the UK Parliament was willing to support efforts to strengthen inter-parliamentary diplomacy between the two countries.

He also framed the engagement within a wider Commonwealth context, saying such diplomacy should serve as a vehicle to preserve and strengthen the Commonwealth family.

He expressed hope that the process could eventually help bring African nations together as a unified bloc within the Commonwealth, pursuing a shared agenda.

Since assuming office as Speaker of the 12th Parliament on March 25, 2026, Oboth has championed a programme aimed at restoring Parliament’s legacy.

In his maiden speech, Oboth promised to rebuild public trust and clean up the institution’s image following years of corruption allegations and public criticism directed at previous leadership, vowing to steer the House on a path of accountability, transparency and people-centred leadership.

Groups Sue Kano Cleric, Lawan Triumph, Over Alleged Blasphemy

The Upper Sharia Court sitting at Kofar Kudu in Kano municipality has commenced hearing in a case filed by some Islamic groups against Kano-based cleric Lawan Abubakar Triumph over alleged blasphemous remarks.

Counsel to the complainants, Barrister Aliyu Usman Hajj, told the court presided over by Justice Ibrahim Sarki Yola that they had filed a direct criminal complaint against the defendant.

He urged the court to forward the complaint to the Kano State Commissioner of Police for investigation.

However, counsel to the defendant, Barrister Abdurrazak A. Ahmad, asked for time to study the allegations and respond to them, while challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case. Barrister Ibrahim Umar led the team of lawyers representing Lawan.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court declined a request to order the closure of the mosque led by Lawan, saying it lacked the authority to do so.

The judge adjourned the case until September 24, 2026, to state its position on the matter.

Only 6 Northern Governors Supported Tinubu In 2023-Shettima

Only six out of the 19 northern state governors supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential bid during the 2023 election, Vice President Kashim Shettima has said.

Shettima, who spoke on Wednesday at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, during the turbaning of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, said the political atmosphere surrounding the 2023 presidential contest was intense but those opposed to Tinubu could not stop him from pursuing his ambition.

He said several obstacles were placed on Tinubu’s path in the last election, but he remained determined to press ahead.

The Vice President, who began listing the six however stopped saying he wants to avoid controversy.

He stated, ‘You know we have 19 states. Apart from Niger former governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, seated here, and Malam Abdurrahman AbdulRazaq (governor of Kwara State)…

‘But to avoid controversy, I will stop naming the names of the other governors. But the governors that were supporting President Tinubu in the North were not more than six who believed in him. But Tinubu refused to be deterred. He was able to cross the road.’

Shettima said the experience should provide a lesson for politicians preparing for future contests stressing that political disagreements should not become permanent divisions among those seeking elective offices.

He urged politicians in Kwara to reconcile after the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, regardless of who emerges.

He said political competition should not be treated as a battle in which former allies become permanent enemies saying Tinubu demonstrated such an approach after the 2023 election by reaching out to governors who had not supported his presidential ambition.

‘After the 2023 election, President Tinubu hugged and forgave all other northern governors that did not support him. That is a mark of a good leader,’ he said.

The Vice President also called on Nigerians to serve with humility and leave a positive legacy.

He noted that political office is temporary and that those who occupy positions of authority would eventually return to ordinary life.

He said political power was ultimately ordained by God and urged politicians to recognise that occupying public office did not make one inherently superior to others.

‘Power is given by God to the people He so wishes and not because they are better than other people,’ Shettima said.

He also defended Tinubu’s handling of the country’s economic difficulties stressing the administration chose to confront the challenges it inherited rather than spend its time apportioning blame.

Shettima said the government inherited about $3.9 billion in its coffers and faced a difficult economic situation when it assumed office.

He said Tinubu refused to be discouraged and directed his economic team to proceed with its reform agenda adding that the president’s political approach was influenced by the style of former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as a politician who would not allow himself to be arm-twisted during political negotiations.

Parliament assesses UPDF training quality, facilities

Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee is assessing the quality and relevance of training in Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces institutions, including staffing, infrastructure, curricula and instructor-to-trainee ratios.

The assessment is part of a nationwide inspection of UPDF establishments and took the committee to the National Defence College-Uganda (NDC-U) in Jinja on Wednesday.

Committee Chairperson Ms Robinah Rwakojo Gureme said the visit to NDC-U would focus on training standards.

“For NDC, it is to assess the quality and accuracy of training offered at the UPDF training institutions, including infrastructure, staffing levels, curriculum and instructor-training ratios,” Rwakojo said.

NDC-U Commandant Brig Gen Alex Olupot described the visit as an opportunity for the college to account for its work and benefit from Parliament’s oversight.

“Your presence here is a demonstration of the importance that the Parliament of Uganda attaches to national defense, security, professional military education and the effective use of public resources entrusted to the defence and security sector,” Brig Gen Olupot said.

He said NDC-U plays a strategic role in preparing senior military officers and other national leaders to analyse and respond to complex security and development challenges.

“Our mandate goes beyond military education. We seek to develop strategic leaders capable of analyzing complex national issues from a whole-of-government and whole-of-society perspective,” he said.

Olupot said the college is strengthening its academic programmes, research and strategic studies while deepening partnerships with universities, defence institutions and other strategic organisations at national, regional and international levels.

The committee has been split into two teams visiting different UPDF establishments across the country.

The teams are expected to reconvene after the exercise to consolidate findings and prepare a report with recommendations for presentation to Parliament.

PRESS RELEASE – EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Press service

European Parliament

Press release

17-09-2026

Plenary session SANT EMPL

Healthcare: the EU needs to tackle worker shortages to avoid a crisis

Staff shortage of almost one million expected by 2030, including nurses and doctors

Need to increase the number of healthcare workers by at least one million over the next seven years

Increase EU funds for health to ensure investment in the healthcare workforce

Parliament raises the need for the EU to address healthcare sector staff shortages and inadequate working conditions.

On Thursday, Parliament adopted proposals to strengthen healthcare systems and improve employment and working conditions in the healthcare sector by 514 votes in favour, 61 against, and with 33 abstentions.

One million extra healthcare workers

Parliament is asking the Commission for an ambitious strategy to increase the healthcare workforce by at least one million during the next multiannual budgeting period (2028-2034). To increase the number of healthcare professionals, MEPs propose action to attract more young people to the healthcare professions, funds for scholarships, cross-border cooperation, and targeted measures to guarantee fair pay and job stability.

Better working conditions

Healthcare workers should receive fair remuneration, mental health support, and job security, MEPs say. They emphasise the need for high-quality education and training for staff and call for support for rare specialties and advanced practice roles for nurses. Safeguarding the well-being of frontline staff is a major priority, according to MEPs, as one in three doctors and nurses experience mental health challenges. They call for an obligatory framework to recognise unsafe staffing levels as an occupational hazard, compromising of workload controls and doctor-to-patient/nurse-to-patient ratios and to relieve the physical, psychological and administrative burden faced by healthcare workers.

More funds for healthcare

Parliament stresses the need for adequate financing to sustain healthcare systems, including increased public funding and the strategic use of EU funds, as well as an increase in the allocation and efficient use of dedicated EU funding.

Use of AI to support healthcare

While face-to-face care should remain central, MEPs recognise the benefits of digital health solutions, such as telemedicine and AI-supported diagnostics, also to support rural areas where the workforce deficit is particularly acute. To that end, workers should be equipped with essential digital skills and training when it comes to AI.

Quotes

Loucas Fourlas (EPP, CY), rapporteur for the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, said: ‘Hospitals, primary care centres and long-term care services are under increasing pressure due to understaffing, burnout, ageing populations, and growing healthcare demands. This is not only a workforce issue – it is a matter of patient safety, equal access to healthcare and the long-term resilience of our public health systems. We need concrete action, and we need to make real efforts to reduce the brain drain.’

Ruggero Razza (ECR, IT), rapporteur for the Public Health Committee, said: ‘The future of European healthcare depends on our ability to invest in people. Healthcare professionals are the backbone of our healthcare systems, and tackling workforce shortages must become a strategic priority for Europe. We need to make healthcare professions more attractive, strengthen education and training pathways, and create the conditions that allow talent to stay and thrive within our healthcare systems.’

Background

The EU is facing a severe healthcare workforce shortage: there was a deficit of 1.2 million workers in 2022, with an expected deficit of almost one million by 2030 in the European region according to the WHO, as demographic changes and rising long-term care needs are exacerbating the demand for care. Potential risks arising from staff shortages include compromised patient safety, overcrowded emergency services, long waiting times, and delayed diagnoses.

Further information

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

Committee on Public Health

Procedural file

European Parliament Policy Department study – The health workforce crisis in the European Union

European Parliament Policy Department study – EU legal pathways for addressing the health workforce crisis

Arianne SIKKEN

Press Officer

+32 228 33126 (BXL)

+32 477 99 19 34

arianne.sikken@europarl.europa.eu

empl-press@europarl.europa.eu

EPSocialAffairs

empl.europarl.europa.eu

Thea PIERIDOU

Head of the EP Office in Cyprus

30 Vyronos Avenue – 1096 Nicosia

97 665992

22 870500 / 22 396485

thea.pieridou@ep.europa.eu

Janne OJAMO

Press Officer

(+32) 228 41250 (BXL)

(+32) 470 89 21 92

janne.ojamo@europarl.europa.eu

Sant-press@europarl.europa.eu

EP_PublicHealth

sant.europarl.europa.eu