Family medicine plays a critical role in healthcare systems across Europe, providing comprehensive, patient-centered care essential to community well-being. However, despite its importance, family medicine is still not recognized as a specialty on par with other medical specialties within the European Union (EU). This lack of recognition hinders its development, funding, and overall status within healthcare systems.
A Collective Effort for Recognition
Recognizing the need for change, WONCA Europe has joined forces with EURACT, UEMO, EYFDM, the WONCA Europe Working Party on Policy Advocacy, the European Forum of Primary Care, and European Junior Doctors to advocate for the recognition of family medicine as a specialty within the EU.
A first meeting among all stakeholders took place on February 11, 2025, marking the beginning of this collaborative effort. These initiatives have the full support of the WONCA Europe Executive Board, with President Shlomo Vinker and Vice-Chair Thomas Frese participating in the discussions. This work aligns with the broader goal of strengthening primary care across Europe.
Why Recognition Matters
Under Directive 2005/36/EC, the EU officially recognizes certain medical specialties, ensuring standardized training and mobility across member states. However, family medicine/general practice is not included in this list. The consequences of this exclusion are significant:
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Low prioritization – What is not formally recognized cannot receive adequate policy attention.
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Funding challenges – Without specialty status, securing resources for training, research, and workforce development becomes more difficult.
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Workforce shortages – Addressing the growing shortage of family doctors requires strategic planning, which is harder to achieve without formal recognition.
What Needs to Happen?
For family medicine to be recognized as a specialty at the EU level, at least 11 member states must submit a formal request to the European Commission. This request must come from the relevant national authorities responsible for accrediting and training medical professionals—such as Ministries of Health or equivalent governmental bodies. The process involves submitting the request through an internal institutional platform, initiating discussions at the European level.
Sara Ares
Chair. WONCA Europe Working Party on Policy Advocacy