The European Parliament's Vote on the EU Health Workforce INI Report: An EFN Commentary

AIM: To discuss the implications of the European Parliament's vote on the Own-Initiative Report (INI) on the EU Health Workforce for nursing policy, workforce sustainability and healthcare systems across Europe. DESIGN: Critical commentary. METHODS: Critical analysis of the European Parliament's INI Report on the EU Health Workforce, informed by nursing workforce policy priorities and existing evidence on workforce sustainability, patient safety and professional development. RESULTS: The INI Report provides important political support for key nursing priorities, including safe staffing levels, advanced practice nursing, implementation of the Professional Qualifications Directive, ethical recruitment, occupational health and safety, workforce investment, preparedness and co-created digitalisation. The report highlights the importance of strengthening workforce sustainability and improving patient safety across the European Union. CONCLUSION: The European Parliament's recommendations represent a significant opportunity to advance nursing workforce policy at EU level. However, translating these recommendations into effective legislative and operational measures will require sustained political commitment, investment and implementation across Member States.