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Health Strategy

2. Health Strategy 2008-2013

"The European Union is facing new challenges. Its population is ageing fast and its recent enlargements widened the health gaps between Member States. Migration, the mobility of health professionals and patients, the risks posed by pandemics and bioterrorism all represent additional challenges. So do globalisation and climate change. The time has come for the EU to develop a strong and comprehensive strategy on health,” said Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou in October 2007.

The EU Health Strategy, ‘Together for Health: A Strategic Approach for the EU 2008-2013’ focuses on three main aims:

• fostering good health in an ageing Europe by promoting good health throughout the life span, aiming to prevent health problems and disabilities from an early age and tackling inequities in health linked to social, economic and environmental factors;
• protecting citizens from health threats including pandemics and bioterrorism as well as new communicable disease patterns caused by climate change;
• supporting innovative technologies that can be used to optimize healthcare systems.

The strategy of the Commission lists several common values and principles that should be followed in healthcare systems of EU member states. These include universality, access to good quality care, equity and solidarity.

The four guiding principles of the EU strategy are:

Principle 1: A Strategy based on Shared Health Values

A core value is citizen participation in decision-making, for which the support of “health literacy” and lifelong learning about good health is a prerequisite. The EU also wants to reduce inequities in health, as major differencies can be found in health between and within member states and regions. The life expectancy at birth for women varies by 9 years between EU countries and by 13 years for men. Infant mortality rates vary six-fold. Studies show that citizens of the less wealthy Central and Eastern European countries have poorer health than those in Western Europe. Also, differences in health between socioeconomic groups have increased in many countries as socioeconomic determinants such as education, employment and life style affect citizen’s health Closing the Gap. Finally, health policy must be based on sound scientific evidence and research.

Principle 2: Health is the Greatest Wealth

A healthy population is a prerequisite for economic productivity and prosperity. Spending on health is not just a cost, but an investment. Also, the health sector is a major provider of employment and training.

Principle 3: Health in All Policies

The EU population’s health is not an issue for health policy alone. Other policy areas also play a key role: environment and agricultural policies, social security coordination, animal health, alcohol and tobacco taxation, health and safety at work, transport and regional policies. The joint evaluation and authorisation of medicinal products is another related topic. In addition, cooperation between EU institutions and member states is not enough; NGOs, industry, academia and media must also be involved in promoting health.

Principle 4: Strengthening the EU’s Voice in Global Health

Sustained collective leadership in global health brings best results to the EU and its citizens. Fighting poverty in developing countries, for example, ultimately also benefits the health of Europeans, especially in a global economy.

The Second Programme of Community Action in the Field of Health 2008-2013 in essence finances the realization of the health strategy’s goals and is in force from 1st of January, 2008. It is intended to complement, support and add value to the policies of the member states. The programme’s specific objectives are to:

• improve citizens' health security,
• promote health, including the reduction of health inequalities,
• generate and disseminate health information and knowledge.

For the six-year period the programme has a budget of €321,5 million.

At the end of 2007, the European Commission was expected to propose a new European directive on healthcare services that would ensure cross-border access to safe, high-quality and efficient care. In essence, the Commission intended to ensure the protection and rights of EU citizens travelling to another member state with the purpose of receiving health care there.