Title EU Public Health Policy_updated 2025.02.24.pdf ✅

European Union Public health policy - November 2024 The EU doesn’t have a centralised health system, as Member States manage their own healthcare services. Rather than organising or delivering healthcare directly, the EU supports and complements national efforts, fostering collaboration across borders. Over time, an EU health policy has evolved that benefits citizens in meaningful ways through three main approaches. 1. There is direct health policy under Article 168 of the TFEU, spearheaded by DG SANTE. . 2. Health policy is influenced by EU laws in areas like the internal market, environment, social policy, and consumer protection—these have a major impact on public health. 3. Health considerations are included in the economic oversight of Member States through the European Semester, strengthening health policy through fiscal guidance. This layered approach enables the EU to support its citizens' health while respecting the independence of Member States in managing their healthcare systems. Policy evolution & milestones 2 Maastricht Treaty Provided a legal basis for EU health policy 1992 Amsterdam Treaty Strengthened it and led to higher levels of health protection. Major health issues, patient mobility, and socio- economic impacts have made public health a priority for the EU. The establishment of agencies like the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) highlighted the EU’s expanding role in health policy, supported by agencies such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). 1997 MAASTRICHT TREATY © EU Training | All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or shared by any means. © EU Training
European Union Public health policy - November 2024 Policy evolution & milestones 3 2006 Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach: Adopted by the EU and integrated in Articles 9 and 168(1) TFEU and Article 35 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union Addresses the cross-sectoral nature of public health by integrating health considerations into all relevant policies to enhance population health and equity. Initiatives such as the ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy promote sustainable and healthier food production, while the zero pollution action plan fosters cleaner, healthier environments. © EU Training | All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or shared by any means. EU4Health programme Launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to boost crisis preparedness and resilience, contributing to the development of a European Health Union focused on cross-border health security. 2021 The European Health Union aims to address immediate and long-term health issues, including pandemic preparedness, cancer initiatives, the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe, digital health advancements, and tackling antimicrobial resistance. Global health cooperation, including vaccine development, remains a priority. 2021 -2027 Cancer, the second leading cause of death in the EU, impacts individuals, families, healthcare systems and economic productivity. The Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA) (2020-2022) explored EU measures to tackle cancer, and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan addresses prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, aiming to increase screening rates to 90% for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers by 2050. © EU Training