The European Public Health Alliance responded to the consultation on the future EU Health Strategy launched by Commissioner Byrne.
You can find the full text of the response attached.
EPHA welcomes this consultation proces that is transparent, open and extensive. A wide range of EPHA members have contributed comments on the overall health policy and areas where they have specific expertise. The Public Health Programme provides DG SANCO with a legal foundation and financial means for action but what has been lacking is a bold and ambitious strategy for what the Programme has to achieve and deliver. There is also a need for additional and linked strategies, within the context of the health strategy, on alcohol, tobacco and nutrition issues. These are critical health determinants that are connected to consumer policy, sales and marketing, free movements of goods, tax and customs questions. An integrated and coherent EU approach to these issues, anchored firmly within the health framework is needed.
Background
Speaking at the "EU Public Health Policy Dialogue" organised by the European Policy Centre on 15 July, Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner David Byrne launched an informal consultation process on the future of EU health policy. Commissioner Byrne also released a non-paper, "Enabling Good Health for all", which establishes his views on a future EU Health Strategy.
Public bodies, interest groups and individual citizens were invited to contribute to the reflection process by 15 October.
