Europe's Beating Cancer Plan: Commission launches EU-wide process to address the right to be forgotten

At the occasion of the European Week Against Cancer, the Commission has today published a study on the access to financial products for persons with a history of cancer, the so called ‘right to be forgotten', in the EU and set out the next steps for action under Europe's Beating Cancer Plan. The study highlights broad support for EU level policy to ensure fair access to products such as life insurances, and loans or credits. This includes actions to raise awareness, enhance the exchange of knowledge, experiences and practices as well as regular updates on scientific evidence. At the same time, the impact of EU action must also take into account the different regulatory and self-regulatory approaches in place across the EU. Moving forward, the Commission will launch more extensive work to gather additional evidence and insights and encourage dialogue between national authorities, patients and the financial sector in view of establishing the first ever EU Code of Conduct by early 2024. Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said: “Quality of life and equal treatment are fundamental rights of every patient. The obstacles cancer survivors often face in accessing financial services and other areas of their lives are not acceptable. With Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, for the first time at EU level, we are launching the work to ensure fairness in accessing financial services for the increasing number of people with a history of cancer in long-term remission. Some Member States have already legislated to protect patients' “Right to be Forgotten”, showing us that it is possible to ensure that reality keeps pace with medical progress. Working as a team, we can find viable solutions that enable cancer survivors to live a life free from discrimination and unfair obstacles.” Mairead McGuinness, Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Market Union, added: “It is important that we work with the financial sector to improve the services offered to those who have cancer or have recovered from cancer.” The intervention of Commissioner Kyriakides at today's dedicated Webinar on ‘Access to Financial Services for Persons with a History of Cancer' can be found here.