Healthcare in Europe is on a precipice. Junior doctors in Europe are challenged to provide safe
healthcare in systems that are underfunded, understaffed and under-resourced. The demand for
healthcare in Europe is ever rising in the shadow of an unprecedented pandemic, a war in Europe and
the subsequent economic recession. Junior doctors and the health workforce are suffering moral
injury, physical harm and burnout; they are struggling to provide the care their patients need. The
European Junior Doctors Association demands action from the European Union and national
governments to urgently address this crisis before irrevocable damage occurs.

This situation is not new; it was both predictable and preventable. Even before the COVID-19
pandemic began in 2020, junior doctors across Europe had been warning about the absence of
adequate workforce planning, the distressing working and training conditions junior doctors and
healthcare professionals face and the consequences on wellbeing and patient care. Junior doctors
across Europe report excessive working hours and workload, lack of rest during and between shifts,
lack of training opportunities and widespread institutional violence. Alarming rates of burnout and
other mental health problems have resulted in many junior doctors leaving and considering leaving
the workforce. A contracting workforce facing increasing healthcare demands nurtures this vicious
cycle. Two and a half years later these issues remain unaddressed, and Europe is facing new
compounding challenges, notably financial recession and energy crisis; the perfect storm for the
implosion of healthcare in Europe.

The European Junior Doctors Association will be addressing the European health workforce crisis at
their General Assembly this week in Norway; EJD calls the European Union and national governments
to similar urgent action to avert impending healthcare collapse in Europe.

“Junior doctors are fundamental to patient care in Europe. Despite a desire to provide the best
possible care for our patients, the current working environment prevents us from delivering this.
Those in power must step up, take responsibility and address the multitude of challenges faced by
health professionals and patients in Europe.” Mathias Koerner, EJD President.

“Junior doctors are on the front line of healthcare in Europe and need to be listened to if we are
expected to deliver health care in the future. We demand a paradigm shift in healthcare in Europe”
Kristin Kornelia Utne, Chair of the Norwegian Junior doctor association.

The European Junior Doctors Association (EJD) represents more than 300 000 junior doctors in
Europe. We advocate for Junior Doctors’ rights, the improvement of training systems and optimal
patient care.