Special Contribution from Michael Hübel, Head of Health Determinants Unit at DG SANCO

After fifteen years of work promoting public health in the European Union, EPHA has built up a good working relationship with the European Institutions. We asked Michael Hübel, Head of Unit for Health Determinants at DG SANCO, to give his view on that relationship and to comment on what added value he feels EPHA provides for the Commission. We also asked him to provide a vision for EPHA in the future that would allow us to maximise our role as the leading voice for public health in Europe:


Michael Hübel: The European Public Health Alliance has been a key partner in bringing forward the EU public health policy agenda over the last fifteen years. I would just single out EPHA’s role as a founding member of the EU Health Forum, in the Treaty discussions, and towards the respective health strategy documents in 1998, 2000 and 2007. EPHA’s focus on health determinants is very welcome, and it has had an impact both on activities within public health policy proper and across EU policies. EPHA has taken and takes a key interest across the determinants, from smoking and alcohol, nutrition and physical activity to broader issues such as health and environment, and health inequalities.

Advocacy for public health led by EPHA and other civil society organisations has helped to raise awareness of citizens and the public health community about the potential added value of EU involvement in health. This has translated into much added value for health policy in the EU context.

I would hope that EPHA continues to develop as an important player among the public health advocates in Brussels, with a broad, political focus and as a useful support organisation to its members, the public health community at large and in support of an ambitious public health policy agenda.

For More Information

DG SANCO Website

DG SANCO Health Determinants

Last modified on January 30 2009.