Medical staff shortages in rural areas

Priority question for written answer P-004116/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Benoit Cassart (Renew)

Medical staff shortages in rural areas within the EU threaten social justice and will be a serious challenge in the coming years. These shortages are the result of an aging population, an increasing demand for healthcare and difficult working conditions in these areas due to a lack of housing and transport infrastructure, leading to excessive workloads.

Although, in principle, public health in Europe falls within the remit of the Member States, Article 28 of Directive 2005/36/EC of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications provides for the possibility to undertake 'practical training given by an approved hospital ... the duration of that practical training may, up to a maximum of one year, be included in the duration provided for in the first subparagraph for certificates of training issued on or after 1 January 2006'.

• 1.Is the Commission planning to update this 2005 Directive to include in Article 28 the possibility of carrying out an traineeship in areas experiencing shortages?
• 2.In the same vein, might it incorporate into this directive innovative solutions that support the use of AI to boost access to healthcare in rural areas?

Submitted: 20.10.2025