Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002147/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Margarita de la Pisa Carrión (PfE)
Family medicine is crucial to the quality and sustainability of EU healthcare systems. According to Eurostat, around 21 % of doctors in the EU work in primary care, undertaking family medicine duties, which illustrates how vital they are to the system. Several studies have shown that continuity of care with the same family physician improves health outcomes, reducing mortality, hospitalisations and emergency care visits.
However, Annex 5.1.3 to Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications does not classify family medicine as specialised medicine. While the majority of Member States recognise family medicine as a speciality and have corresponding accredited educational programmes, there are significant differences in education standards and some countries require no specialised education to work in primary care.
In light of this situation:
- 1.Is the Commission planning to update Directive 2005/36/EC to classify family medicine as specialised medicine?
- 2.What steps is the Commission taking to ensure minimum education standards in this field?
- 3.Is the Commission considering engaging in dialogue with Member States and stakeholders on this topic?
Submitted: 28.5.2025