EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi underlined that the European Union is accelerating reforms to strengthen health sovereignty and resilience, from new pharmaceutical rules to faster pathways from innovation to treatment. Yet beyond regulation and innovation, one fundamental shift stood out — Europe must move from treatment to prevention.

This shift is not theoretical. It reflects a growing consensus that future health systems must prioritise early intervention, mental health, and long-term resilience. In this context, prevention is no longer optional — it is becoming the backbone of Europe’s health strategy.

A New Health Vision: Prevention, Early Intervention, and Wellbeing

Across discussions at the Summit, experts emphasised the urgent need to reach high-risk groups earlier through awareness, education, and preventive action. Health systems must evolve to support healthier lifestyles, longer lives, and stronger communities.

This direction aligns closely with the development of new initiatives in the health tourism and spa sector, which aim to:

• promote healthy lifestyle behaviours among both residents and travellers,
• develop destinations that actively support preventive health,
• integrate spa medicine, mineral water therapies, and nature-based treatments,
• and create tourism products that encourage longevity and quality of life.

Such approaches reflect a broader transformation already recognised within Europe’s health landscape: nature-based, evidence-driven prevention is becoming a key pillar of modern healthcare.

Shared Challenges, Collective Solution

The Summit also highlighted that Europe’s health challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that today’s threats — from chronic diseases and mental health issues to displacement and poverty — require stronger cross-border cooperation.

This perspective reinforces the importance of transnational networks and shared knowledge. In this context, European health destinations and spa networks represent practical models of collaboration, offering non-pharmaceutical, cross-border solutions for prevention and rehabilitation.

At the same time, the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) delivered a stark warning:
if health systems fail, all other systems follow. Health is no longer just a social issue — it is a strategic asset for Europe’s stability and future.

Mental Health: Europe’s Growing Concern

One of the most urgent topics raised during the Summit was the rapid deterioration of mental health, particularly among younger generations. Policymakers called for immediate and coordinated action, recognising that a healthy population is the foundation of societal resilience.

Here, nature-based therapies — including climate therapy, forest bathing, and spa environments — are increasingly recognised as effective tools to support mental wellbeing. These approaches demonstrate how natural resources can complement traditional healthcare systems, offering accessible and preventive solutions.

The Strategic Role of Health Tourism and Natural Therapies

As Europe faces rising pressure on healthcare systems, new models of care are gaining importance. Prevention, healthy ageing, and resilience are no longer abstract goals — they are practical necessities.

Health tourism and spa-based interventions can play a key role by:

• reducing the burden on hospitals through preventive care,
• supporting rehabilitation and long-term health management,
• decentralising health services across regions,
• and empowering SMEs to deliver high-quality, sustainable health services.

This reflects a broader reality already highlighted in European spa research and policy discussions: medical spas and health destinations are not a luxury, but part of Europe’s health infrastructure .

A Strategic Moment for Europe — and for ESPA

The Euronews Health Summit confirms a decisive shift in Europe’s health priorities. The future will be shaped by:

• prevention,
• healthy ageing,
• mental health support,
• resilience,
• cross-border cooperation,
• and nature-based solutions.

These priorities strongly align with the long-standing mission of the European Spas Association (ESPA), which promotes nature-based prevention, mental wellbeing, and accessible health tourism ecosystems.

Looking Ahead: From Opportunity to Action

Europe now stands at a turning point. The question is no longer whether health systems need to change — but how quickly this transformation can happen.

In this new landscape, organisations and sectors that already deliver preventive, evidence-based, and sustainable health solutions have a unique opportunity to contribute.

More information: https://www.euronews.com/health/2026/03/17/the-biggest-challenge-and-opportunity-euronews-health-summit-key-takeaways

Water tasting to learn about the healing effects of mineral water in cooperation with the Slovenian Spa Association and the Slovenian Tourism Board, Health tourism pavillon Stage Programme Hall 4.1

TUESDAY / 3th March
15:30 – 16:00 | Longevity, Regeneration & Prevention: Beyond the Buzzwords
Key themes: Regenerative medicine; Preventive healthcare. PANEL DISCUSSION
Panelists:
– Dr. Siyka Katsarova – President, BUBSPA & European Spas Association
– Marina Lalli – Vice President Federterme; President Federturismo; 
– Dr. Petra Bailey – Vice-President, Ensana Health Spa Group

Moderator:
Csilla Mezösi – Secretary General, European Spas Association

THURSDAY /5th March
11:00 – 11:30 | PRESENTATION

Digitalization in Health Tourism – Education in Cooperation with the World Health Organization
Presenter:
-Anke Sponer – International Cooperation, Deggendorf Technische Hochschule

11:30 – 12:30 | Wellbeing in Tourism – Economic Engine: Impact Today, Value Tomorrow; PANEL DISCUSSION
Panelists:
-Iuliana Tasie, Vice President of the European Spas Association and Optbr Romania; CEO ANA hotels Europa Eforie,  
-Lina Nosevič – Executive Director, National Association of Sanatoriums and Rehabilitation Institutions in Lithuania; mailto:lina@rehabilitation.lt
-Martin Plachy – CEO, Royal Spa CZ; Vice President, European Spas Association

Moderator:
Nikol Rashkova – European Spas Association

OTHER IMPRORANT presentations and programms:

TUE 3 MAR 12:00 – 12:15 OFFICIAL OPENING ITB MEDICAL & HEALTH TOURISM PAVILION 12:15 – 13:30 MEDICAL MEDIA NETWORKING LUNCH supported by Visit Bulgaria

15:00 – 15:30 EXPERT INTERVIEW with Daniel Attard;Member of the European Parliament (Malta), Committee on Transport and Tourism

EUROPE’S PATH TO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM GROWTH AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF EUROPE’S TOURISM REGIONS

17:00 – 19.00 ITB MEDICAL & HEALTH NETWORKING RECEPTION

WED 4 MAR, 19:00 – 22:00 ITB MEDICAL & HEALTH NIGHT 

presenting the ITB MEDICAL & HEALTH TOURISM AWARDS 2026

in partnership with European Spas Association (By invitation only!)

 More information: https://www.itb.com/en/ausstellen/exhibition-areas/medical-health

On 15 January 2026, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) hosted an Expert Hearing on Life Sciences and Rare Diseases as part of the work on TEN/867 – The European Life Science Strategy along with the Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures with a focus on the treatment of rare diseases.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Rapporteur Milena Angelova and President Martin Böhme, whose leadership and openness to a holistic perspective made it possible for the European Spas Association to contribute to this important process. Their willingness to consider the broader value of natural health resources created a unique opportunity to bring balneology and climate health into the European debate on life sciences.

The Expert Hearing brought together policymakers, scientists, and health stakeholders to discuss priorities for Europe’s evolving health strategies. The European Spas Association was honoured to participate, represented by Dr. Siyka Katsarova and Csilla Mezősi.

The discussion focused on the role of medical spas and climate health resorts within Europe’s future health policy. A clear message emerged: medical spas are not simply a matter of tradition or wellness tourism. They are evidence-based, physician-prescribed health infrastructures that play a meaningful role in prevention, rehabilitation, mental health support and improved quality of life — including for people living with chronic and rare diseases.

Recent advances in life sciences strongly reinforce this position. Research ranging from thermal water biochemistry to inflammation pathways and microbiome science confirms the solid scientific foundations of balneotherapy and climatotherapy. When combined with digital health tools and telemonitoring, these therapies are fully aligned with Europe’s health innovation ecosystem and modern models of integrated care.

Participants at the hearing highlighted the broader value of medical spas and climate health resorts as resource-efficient and low-impact health infrastructures. Closely linked to climate adaptation, they contribute to health resilience, healthy ageing and sustainable healthcare delivery — priorities that are increasingly central to European policy debates.

The exchange was marked by strong support from experts and representatives of several EU Member States, including Romania, Slovakia, Germany, Italy, Hungary and Bulgaria. These contributions underlined the clinical value, scientific credibility and sustainability impact of Europe’s natural health resources, and called for their greater recognition within EU life sciences and health strategies.

There was broad agreement that the integration of life sciences, digital health and nature-based therapies is not a distant ambition. It is already taking place across Europe’s medical spas and climate health resorts, demonstrating how traditional natural assets can be successfully embedded in contemporary health systems.

The European Spas Association warmly thanks the European Economic and Social Committee, as well as all participating experts and Member State representatives, for an open, constructive and forward-looking discussion. The shared support expressed during the hearing sends a strong signal: Europe’s natural health ecosystem is a strategic asset for public health, innovation and sustainability, and an opportunity that should be fully embraced within the European Life Sciences Strategy.

The Synthesis Report, published in December 2025, has revealed that Europe faces an urgent need to modernise its health systems to cope with rising chronic diseases, ageing populations and workforce shortages. The report highlights four critical priorities for action: prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), digital health transformation, strengthening primary care and equitable access to innovative therapies.

The European Spas Association (ESPA) welcomes the report and emphasis that medical spas, natural health resorts and climate-health destinations already provide evidence-based, cost-effective solutions to many of these challenges, yet remain underused in current health policies.

Medical Spas Are Ready to Support Europe’s NCD Crisis

The report notes that over 725,000 premature deaths from NCDs could have been prevented in 2022, and that 62 million Europeans live with cardiovascular disease. Medical spas across Europe have a long tradition of delivering preventive, rehabilitative and chronic-care programmes, particularly for:

• cardiovascular diseases 
• musculoskeletal conditions 
• respiratory disorders 
• diabetes 
• obesity 
• stress and burnout 

Natural therapeutic resources: thermal waters, peloids, clean mountain air, marine aerosols and therapeutic climates are scientifically recognised for improving vascular health, lung function, mobility, and overall well-being.

The report raises alarming trends: rising childhood obesity, physical inactivity, and increased use of e-cigarettes among teenagers.
Climate-health destinations – mountain, healing forest, forest and coastal resorts with measurable therapeutic environments – offer:

• structured physical activity 
• respiratory rehabilitation 
• stress reduction 
• long-term behavioural change 
• mobile-free and nature-rich settings for youth

ESPA’s Thalasso working group strengthens scientific standards, exchange and development of high-quality services for younger generations.

Supporting Digital Health and Workforce Capacity

The EU urges Member States to speed up digital transformation and tackle health workforce shortages. Medical spas are actively innovating in both areas, like digital physiotherapy & VR-assisted rehabilitation support therapists, and expanding accessibility.

Strengthening Primary and Chronic Care – Cost Effectively

Primary care across Europe is under strain due to ageing, chronic conditions and lack of personnel.
Medical spas and natural health resorts reduce pressure on hospitals by providing:

• non-invasive therapies 
• post-hospital rehabilitation 
• long-term disease management programmes 
• prevention-oriented lifestyle counselling

These services are cost-effective, sustainable and already integrated in many national health insurance systems. European Medical Spas Are Part of the Solution.

More from the report

The report highlights the following key health system reform challenges and the support the EU is providing to overcome them: 1. Addressing the major health concern of non-communicable diseases (NCDs): NCDs are the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the EU. In 2022, more than 725,000 deaths could have been prevented. They are increasingly affecting younger populations. Across Europe, rates of childhood inactivity and obesity are rising; more than 20% of 15-year-olds use e-cigarettes. Preventing NCD mortality in the EU would reduce the workforce decline due to an ageing population by 12% between 2022 and 2040. With around 62 million people living with cardiovascular disease in the EU, the Commission will also this year present an EU cardiovascular health plan, targeting diabetes and obesity, especially in younger generations. To address the threat of NCDs more broadly, the Commission has launched Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the Healthier Together Initiative and is supporting Member States and health organisations with funding from the EU4Health Programme. 2. Strengthening the backbone of EU health care: EU primary care is facing challenges such as rising demand linked to an ageing population, chronic diseases, workforce shortages and underinvestment.

More information: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_3014

As an active member of the Scientific Committee of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) and a frequent speaker at international conferences, she contributes to advancing spa and health tourism across Europe.

At the European Spas & Balneology Congress 2025 in Haapsalu, she will participate in the panel discussion “Europe’s Hidden Healthcare Power. Why Spas Belong in the Future of Public Health?”. In her opening statement, she will emphasize the crucial role of spas within the public healthcare system and highlight their potential in prevention, rehabilitation, and overall public health strategies.

The European Health Summit, held from December 3–4, 2024, at the historic Egmont Palace in Brussels, brought together policymakers, business leaders, and healthcare experts from across Europe. As a high-level pan-European platform organized alongside the EPSCO Council, the Summit fosters collaboration among European institutions and member states to shape the future of healthcare.

This year marked the 5th edition of the Summit, centred on the theme, “Gold Medal Mindset: Competitiveness and Sustainability in the Tech Age.” Discussions focused on building a resilient EU healthcare model for the next legislative cycle, addressing key priorities such as digital innovation, pandemic preparedness, pharmaceutical policy, and patient-centric care. The event also highlighted the need for stronger partnerships between policymakers, civil society, academics, and the business sector to enhance healthcare outcomes.

The European Spas Association (ESPA), represented by Ms. Csilla Mezosi and Mr. Sven Aerts, was invited to participate in the prestigious European Business Summit on Health. The significance of the event was underscored by the support of the new Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) and its hosting at the Royal Palace. Notably, Queen Elizabeth also graced the event with her presence.

ESPA invited to play a leading role in “Longevity” chapter

Next year, a chapter on “Longevity” will be introduced, with ESPA invited to play a leading role in this new initiative. The EU Business Summit company thus aligns its Business Units with Priorities by the European Commission’s new Directorate General Health with #EuHealthUnionPriority1 = Prevention, Healthy Food, Healthy Lifestyles, Wellbeing, Longevity. 

This will allow our members to present what they offer to the top power-people = top customers & their networks in Europe: decision makers, business people & financiers.

The summit focused on advancing public health by fostering dialogue among health experts, policymakers from DG SANTE—including the new Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi—and other key Directorate-Generals such as DG Innovation and the European Institute of Innovation & Technology Health (EIT Health). The Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers (including the Health Ministry) facilitated the presence of Hungary’s Health Minister alongside several other health ministers from the EU-27. Numerous industry leaders and financiers in the health sector also attended.

Key Highlights and Announcements

This year’s summit addressed critical themes, including health innovation, healthcare accessibility, and sustainable health financing. The financing and growth programs from the European Investment Fund and various Directorate-Generals were presented, alongside initiatives like the EU Cancer Plan and the EU Brain Health and Mental Health Plan. Additionally, DG SANTE’s second wave of funding, amounting to €752.4 million, was announced, as previously highlighted at the ESPA Congress.

The summit aims to tackle pressing health challenges in Europe, such as demographic changes and the increasing burden of chronic diseases. Attendees participated in panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions to exchange best practices and explore innovative solutions. The program emphasized the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to improve health outcomes, while sharing insights into evolving healthcare models.

1. Launch of the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan
   A major milestone of the Summit was the announcement of the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan by the European Commission. This initiative reflects a strong political commitment to improving cardiovascular health across Europe, aligning closely with the mission of ESPA members, including medical spas and health resorts specializing in cardiovascular disease prevention and rehabilitation programs.
2. Focus on Self-Care for Prevention and Wellbeing
   A dedicated session explored “The Critical Role of Self-Care in Prevention and Wellbeing.” Experts emphasized that empowering citizens to take an active role in their health is crucial for improving the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of healthcare systems. Integrating self-care into healthcare plans not only enhances individual well-being but also delivers significant economic and social benefits.
3. Mental Health Resilience in Europe
   Addressing the rising prevalence of mental health conditions such as burnout, anxiety, and depression, another session focused on “Europe’s Mental Health Resilience.” According to the Eurobarometer 2023, nearly 46% of Europeans experience mental health challenges, making it a pressing public health concern. Participants highlighted the importance of mental health initiatives and the role of medical spas in supporting recovery and resilience.

Participants explored the integration of digital health technologies and the role of preventative healthcare. The summit encouraged the involvement of diverse stakeholders, including spa and wellness professionals, to promote holistic health approaches. Networking sessions are designed to build partnerships and foster collaborative opportunities across different health sectors. Overall, the European Health Summit serves as a platform to drive action and inspire positive transformations in healthcare across Europe. ESPA gave valuable perspectives on integrating wellness into health strategies, promoting a healthier society

In his presentation, Dr. Skauminas will delve into the integrated approach to preventing stress-related diseases. “Everyone faces the increasing pace of life, the nuances of working in the digital space, the imbalance between personal life and work, and the ever-rising demands for employee competencies and work efficiency. However, not everyone considers the consequences of such a lifestyle,” says Dr. Skauminas.

Join us to gain valuable knowledge from one of the leading experts in the field and learn how to manage and prevent stress in your life. Mark your calendar and join us at the ESPA Congress!