On 23 October 2007, the European Commission, adopted a new Health Strategy: ’Together for Health: A Strategic Approach for the EU 2008-2013’.
The new EU Health Strategy sets out a framework spanning core issues in health as well as health in all policies and global health issues. The Strategy aims to set clear objectives to guide future work on health at the European level, and to put in place an implementation mechanism to achieve those objectives, working in partnership with Member States.
The Strategy focuses on four principles and three strategic themes for improving health in the EU. The principles include taking a value-driven approach, recognising the links between health and economic prosperity, integrating health in all policies, and strengthening the EU’s voice in global health. The strategic themes include Fostering Good Health in an Ageing Europe, Protecting Citizens from Health Threats, and Dynamic Health Systems and New Technologies.
EPHA Follow up
EPHA has looked into detail in the different documents such as [the Staff working document and Impact Assessment. According to EPHA, this new Structured cooperation mechanism is not clearly described in the different documents . EPHA will explore this with other key stakeholders and commission officials.
Background
In July 2004, then Health Commissioner Byrne launched a reflection process and public debate on the vision for a health strategy for the EU. The conclusions of the debate were published in October 2004.
EPHA response to Byrne’s consultation
EU Health Policy Forum responses to Byrne’s consultation
Commissioner Byrne debates public health in Europe
EPHA particpated in the consultation process In its response to the consultation, EPHA considers that the success of the EU Health Strategy will depend on the following key factors:
Adopting a public health approach to health: We advocate for a health in all policies approach as the main mechanism through which the strategy will be delivered: investing in health policies alone cannot deliver the objectives of the Strategy.
Stating clearly the objectives of the Strategy: The EU Health Strategy should aim to bridge the gap between health inequalities - both within and between Member States - within a ten year period. To achieve that aim, the main focus should be on broader health determinants.
Adopting a pragmatic approach to the Strategy taking into account resource limitations: EPHA understands that the EU competences on health are imited and therefore the Strategy will be better implemented if sustainable well-functioning national health systems are strengthened and involved in delivering the Strategy. EPHA strongly recommends that the European Commission implements cost-effective policies that are based on evidence. For the same reasons, we advise that the EU Health Strategy must build on existing resources, commitments and objectives. Also, it is very important for EPHA and its members that the EU Health Strategy is approached within the global governance framework on health, represented by the World Health Organisation.
Fostering health criteria on the agendas of policy-makers: Although the case is strong to advocate for a health in all policies approach, we understand that some other departments may be reluctant to implement this approach. One of the challenges of the EU Health Strategy is how to foster health criteria on the agendas of policy-makers who have not previously considered health as part of their portfolio.
An adequate of use of the regulatory framework: EPHA expresses caution at the use of self-regulation because it has been proven that this method fails to protect public health. Non-legislative instruments, such as the Open Method of Coordination, can contribute to improving Member State coordination and preparedness to respond to health threats. It can also be an efficient tool to strengthen health systems while respecting the subsidiarity principle. EPHA strongly recommends that the establishment of Health Impact Assessments of all EU policies should be a clear priority of the EU Strategy.
A clear commitment from Member States: In EPHA’s view, given that ultimately Member States are going to deliver the strategy, they have to agree and develop a sense of ownership of the strategy. The Council response to the Health strategy must involve a definite commitment to implement and allocate the necessary resources for the effective implementation of the Strategy.
Strengthening NGOs’ role in decision-making and establishing of a participatory status for NGOs: NGOs are crucial partners to develop and implement the health strategy. EPHA calls for the establishment of a participatory status for NGOs that would support the involvement of health NGOs in policy making beyond DG SANCO. This will ultimately strengthen the implementation of a health in all policies approach across the European Commission DGs.
