January 2003, Health is addressed by the Convention

The Social Europe Working Group has changed its position regarding public health.

While in the Preliminary Draft Report of the Working Group (dated 21 January 2003) there was no consensus on the role of Health in the Future of Europe, the Revised Draft Final Report (dated 24 January 2003) reflects the change of mind of the Working Group, supporting Health as one of the basic objectives of the Union.

EU level competencies should be broadened specifically because of communicable diseases, bio-terrorism, quality and safety for blood, tissues and organs, and International Health Regulations.