Health is important – and the EU has a key role

European Member States have the prime responsibility for protecting and improving the health of their citizens. As part of that responsibility, it is for them to decide on the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care. However there are a number of health issues, notably those with a cross-border or international dimension, such as prevention of the spread of communicable disease and the consequences of movement of people (patients or health professionals), services or goods, where Member States cannot act alone effectively and where cooperative action needs to be taken at the EU level.

A new European Health Strategy

A new Health Strategy Together for Health: A Strategic Approach for the EU 2008-2013 was adopted on 23 October 2007.

This new Health Strategy puts in place an overarching, strategic framework for work on health at the EU level, and sets the direction of travel for the coming years. The Strategy encompasses work not only in the health sector but across all policy areas.

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.

The Strategy is supported by financial tools both in DG for Health and Consumers and in other sectors, such as the 7th Framework Programme for Research, and Regional Policy funding.