European Commission to unveil Women’s Health Roadmap in 2027
A roadmap to address gaps in women’s healthcare would focus on earlier diagnosis, medical research and more inclusive clinical trials
The European Commission is planning to present a European Roadmap on Women’s Health in 2027, aiming to address persistent gender inequalities in healthcare, improve early diagnosis and strengthen research into women’s health.
European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Olivér Várhelyi announced the initiative at a European Parliament event on women’s health, hosted by Romanian MEP Gabriela Firea (S&D).
“Women live longer, but too often in poorer health,” Várhelyi said, warning that increasing pressure on European healthcare systems could disproportionately affect women.
The Roadmap will bring together existing and planned EU initiatives, particularly those focusing on earlier diagnosis, research and clinical trials.
Várhelyi highlighted cardiovascular diseases, the EU’s leading cause of death, noting that women are more likely to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. The Commission’s Safe Hearts Plan includes measures addressing women’s specific needs, alongside a planned dashboard monitoring cardiovascular health inequalities.
Other initiatives include improving cancer screening and treatment, expanding HPV vaccination, strengthening medical device safeguards and facilitating the participation of pregnant and breastfeeding women in clinical trials through the proposed Biotech Act.
Catherine Feore
The announcement was welcomed by women’s health advocates, although questions remain over its scope and whether it will lead to binding legislation.
Flora Pidoux, a women’s health advocate specialising in menopause and gynaecological cancer, described the initiative as “a great announcement”, but cautioned that “a Roadmap sets out a vision, not a legislative proposal.”
Catherine Feore
She also pointed to the lack of details in the Commission’s 2027 work programme and called for concrete legislative commitments.
Ffion Storer Jones, an EU advocacy specialist at DSW (Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung, the German Foundation for World Population), described the announcement as “overwhelmingly positive news” for campaigners seeking to close the gender health gap.
However, she stressed that the Roadmap must be developed “in true consultation, with women, with experts; grounded in science & protective of human rights.”
The initiative could provide a framework for coordinating EU action under the Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030, but its impact will depend on the measures proposed.
Catherine Feore