By Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, MEP
Every year, thousands of Europeans are placed on lengthy waiting lists for life-saving organs. Patients live in hope as they wait for life saving transplants in a race against time. The disparity in transplant rates and waiting times from one EU country to another is a growing concern. The European Union needs a unified pan European organ transplant system, and we need it now.
Organ donation is an act of profound generosity, yet its impact is limited by the fragmented nature of organ sharing across national borders. Currently, Europe operates a patchwork system, where each member state handles its own transplant logistics, often resulting in inefficiencies and inequities. Some countries have well-developed donation programs, while others struggle to meet demand. A child in one member state may face a much longer wait than a child in another member state simply because of differences in local policies or infrastructure. It is often a matter of geographical luck whether a patient lives or dies. This is not acceptable in a modern, equal and democratic European Union.
Why should the EU take the lead? First and foremost, it is a moral imperative. The EU is committed to the protection of human rights and the promotion of equitable access to healthcare. By pooling resources and data across borders, the EU could create an organ-sharing platform that addresses the current inequities in the system. A common approach would not only improve the outcomes for transplant patients but would also enable better utilisation of available organs. With standardised practices and a unified database, we could reduce the time organs spend waiting to be matched, ultimately saving lives.
While the EU has taken steps toward creating a more coordinated approach with the Organ Donation Directive, much more needs to be done. The reality is that organ donation and transplantation should no longer be seen as a national issue; it is a European one. The EU must step in to create a framework that ensures a harmonised, efficient, and transparent organ transplant system that spans all member states.
A pan-EU transplant system would also significantly reduce the administrative burdens faced by transplant centres, creating more efficient pathways for organ donation. Transplant registries could be integrated across the EU, with shared data on potential donors and recipients. This would allow for better matching and quicker transportation of organs, especially in critical situations.
One of the most compelling reasons for a unified system is to tackle the disparity in donation rates across Europe. Some EU countries have developed robust programs, while others still face challenges such as public awareness or medical infrastructure. A pan-European approach would create opportunities to share best practices and provide targeted support to countries in need, leading to a more equitable distribution of available organs.
In addition, there is an urgent need to address the ethical challenges posed by organ tourism. People travelling across borders in search of organs risks creating a two-tier healthcare system, where the wealthy can access life-saving procedures, as those less well-off are left to die. A pan-EU system would help to level the playing field, ensuring that access to transplantation is based on medical assessment rather than financial means.
Some may argue that a centralised transplant system could lead to logistical challenges or undermine local autonomy. However, I believe that the benefits of cooperation far outweigh any potential drawbacks. While respecting the healthcare sovereignty of individual member states, the EU should encourage and support the development of a comprehensive, cross-border transplant network. Coordinating policies on organ donation, sharing medical expertise, and standardizing care practices could be done in a way that complements the local efforts already in place.
In Ireland, there is a pressing need for reform in how we approach organ donation and transplantation. Waiting times for organ transplants are alarmingly high, with patients often waiting months or even years for life-saving procedures. This delay has profound impacts on their health and quality of life. While Ireland has a dedicated transplant team and has made strides in the right direction, we must do more. The introduction of the Human Tissue Bill by former Minister Stephen Donnelly is an important step towards addressing these issues. This bill, which aims to implement an opt-out organ donation system, has the potential to increase donor rates and create a more sustainable organ donation framework. It would provide the necessary legislative support to enhance public trust and improve the infrastructure for organ transplants in Ireland. However, such national efforts must be complemented by a broader EU-wide system to ensure better coordination and fairer access to organs.
In the context of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, there are unique challenges and opportunities in organ transplantation, particularly for kidney patients. While both parts of the island share the same medical professionals and transplant expertise, the lack of cross-border coordination means that patients in one jurisdiction may not have immediate access to organs from the other, despite their proximity. A pan-EU approach to organ sharing would not only address this discrepancy but also enhance cooperation across the island of Ireland, allowing for a seamless, more equitable organ transplant system for all.
Europe is built on the values of solidarity and cooperation. A pan-EU organ transplant system is an essential step toward fulfilling these values. It is an opportunity to demonstrate our collective commitment to saving lives, regardless of national borders.
As a Member of the European Parliament, I am committed to pushing for reforms that will ensure that Europe’s healthcare system prioritises equity, efficiency, and compassion. A unified organ transplant system is not just an aspiration—it is a necessity. Together, we can create a Europe where no life is lost because of bureaucratic inefficiencies or geographical divides.
It’s time for Europe to lead the way, to act boldly, and to guarantee that a life-saving organ is always within reach—no matter where you live.
