Briefing note on the Open Method of Coordination (OMC)

The ’Open Method of Coordination’ or OMC is a mechanism of policy development at EU level. Initially used for social protection issues, the European Council decided to extend the OMC to health and longterm care.

The OMC is an instrument which involves ’soft law’ and the setting of targets and indicators on health. This is an opportunity for NGO advocacy and to track progress made by governments towards health goals.

The EPHA Secretariat has developed a briefing note on the OMC and its application to key areas including health.