1. Channelling voices, Building solidarity
EPHA Conference: Public Health: What’s next for Europe?
EU competence in public health
Anne Hoel - Policy Coordinator
27 November 2008

2. Break-out session questions
-> Assessment: Are we happy with the current situation? (And article 168?)
-> Competences/legal basis: Do we want a strong EU in health policies or is public health better dealt with at national level?
-> Actors: Who should take responsability for public health?

3. Public Health – Dahlgren and Whitehead rainbow

4. Lisbon Treaty article 9 – transversal clauses
In defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union shall take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, and a high level of education, training and protection of human health.

5. Lisbon Treaty – article 36 on restricting free movement of goods
Article on mobility of goods
Article 36
The provisions of Articles 34 and 35 shall not preclude prohibitions or restrictions on imports, exports or goods in transit justified on grounds of public morality, public policy or public security; the protection of health and life of humans, animals or plants; (…)
Such prohibitions or restrictions shall not, however, constitute a means of arbitrary discrimination or a disguised restriction on trade between Member States.

6. Lisbon Treaty – environment protection
Article 191
1. Union policy on the environment shall contribute to pursuit of the following objectives:
— preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment,
— protecting human health,
— prudent and rational utilisation of natural resources,
— promoting measures at international level to deal with regional or worldwide environmental problems, and in particular combating climate change. (…)

7. Lisbon Treaty – article 168 I
High level of human health protection in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities
EU actions to complement national policies:
Directed towards improving public heath
Preventing physical and mental illness
Eliminating sources of danger to physical and mental health
Fighting against major health scourges (research, health information, monitoring, early warning, comabint cross-border health threats
Complement Member States’ action in reducing drugs-related health damage
Encourage cooperation between Member States and support if necessary, especially in health services in cross-border areas.
Commission can take initiative to promote coordination, especially establishing guidelines and indicators, organising exchange of best practices

8. Lisbon Treaty – article 168 II
Cooperation with international organisations and third countries
Co-decision in safety and quality of organs and blood, veterinary and phytosanitary fields, quality and safety of medicinal products and devices
Co-decision (?) to adopt incentive measures to protect and improve human health (esp health diseases, early warning, monitoring, and measures on tobacco and alcohol)
!!!! Excluding harmonization of laws and regulation of Member States !!!!
Recommandations from the Council, on a proposal from the Commission
Respect of MS responsibilities for the definition of health policies and organising, delivering health servies and medical care

9. Break-out session outcomes
-> Assess the current situation
-> Decide if we want a stronger EU lead in health policies?

10. Contact information:
Square de Meeûs 18
B-1050 Brussels
Belgium T F