EPHA briefing: Cohesion policy and Structural funds

The EU has a number of policies designed to reduce disparities across the Union and to promote greater economic, social and territorial cohesion. Financial support is targeted at the national level through the Cohesion Fund, and the regional level through four Structural funds. In both cases, EU money is directed towards the poorest and most disadvantaged countries or regions.

All structural funds are governed by a specific EU Regulation, only one of which - the ERDF Regulation - explicitly mentions health. Although not specifically highlighted in their respective Regulations, other structural funds can be used to co-finance health-related measures.

In February 2004 the European Commission adopted a Communication on the future Financial Perspective and immediately afterwards published the Third Report on Economic and Social Cohesion, in which it outlined the new shape cohesion policy for the period 2007-2013. Health features more prominently in the new draft Regulations than in the current programmes.

EPHA has prepared a briefing on Cohesion policy and structural funds, which includes an annex with examples of sources of support for health measures.

EPHA related articles:

 EC consultation: health as a driver of cohesion policy