Both countries agreed on common issues that require their joint attention, but also set out their specificities: Helsinki plans to target the impact of other policies on health, active ageing and health in the working life.
Finland’s main themes: a healthy workforce and health in all policies
The Finnish presidency will engage the debate on the impact of other policies on health. It acknowledges that health is mainly determined by decisions taken outside the health care sector, and presents an opportunity to explore how to invest in health in all policies and at work, combining approaches of health protection, health promotion and occupational health.
In fact, the European Union has a clear mandate and role to protect and promote health in all its policies (article 152 of the EU Treaty). Within this framework, Helsinki will pay a particular attention to active ageing and the importance of a healthier work environment.
The Fins also want to raise awareness on Health Impact Assessments of other policies.
Legislative agenda
Furthermore, Finland will carry on working on legislative dossiers that are now going through the legislative process such as:
the revision of the directive on medical devices Political agreement by the Council on the 30 November 2006
the directive on advanced therapies Political agreement by the Council on the 30 November 2006
The Alcohol strategy of the European Union will also be released. On this particular theme, the Finnish Prime Minister expressed the will to raise taxes on spirits across Europe, as well as the introduction of health warnings on bottles. The Presidency will also begin discussion on the reform of the organisation of the Common Wine Market of the Common Agriculture Policy. It will also aim to conclude the reform of legislation relating to spirit drinks.
Strategy on Mental Health (follow-up of the Green paper on Mental Health)
Strategy on Diet and physical activity (follow-up of the Green Paper on nutrition, diet and physical activity)
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
Regulation on health statistics
Public Health Programme - Political agreement by the Council on the 30 November 2006
7th Framework Programme for Research Political agreement by the Council on the 25 september 2006
The Working Time Directive Political agreement by the Council on the 1 December 2006
Revision of the Television Without Frontiers Directive
With regard to governance and the broader policy framework, Helsinki plans to concentrate on improving the Council’s work and transparency
** For a more comprehensive health agenda, read "Which health agenda for 2006?"
International agenda
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control,
The new International Health Regulations,
Children’s Health and Environment Action Plan
Calendar of events
July 2006: Informal meeting of Ministers of Employment, Social Policy
and Health on demographic changes and globalisation in the work life.
06-09 September 2006: Conference "Moving forward together" on drug prevention and the prevention of drug related infectious diseases, especially HIV-AIDS, with an emphasis on the cooperation between social, health and police sectors. Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldavia, will be invited to this meeting.
20-21 September 2006: High level expert conference on health in all policies. A background report is to be publisehd as a basis for discussions.
Agenda of the Council
As of the 1 June 2006, more information on the Finnish presidency website.
