EPHA Presentation EPHA, the EU and Health

EPHA Presentation European Public Health Alliance A network of more that 100 non governmental and not-for-profit organisations across Europe working on health and health- related issues Our mission is to improve the health of all people living in Europe and to increase their participation in EU policy-making

EPHA Presentation How does EPHA work? Advocacy Information exchange Membership services Lobbying Networking Tracking policy issues Representation of NGO and citizen interests

EPHA Presentation What does EPHA stand for? Health protection as a goal in all EU policy- making Involvement of citizens in decision-making related to their own health Addressing health inequalities Equal access to good quality healthcare for all EU citizens Ensuring that EU external policies promote health

EPHA Presentation The European Council The EU is a union of Member States. The highest political and legislative authority is the European Council which consists of Member States. Twice a year the heads of state meet at a Summit meeting of the European Council. Other Ministers meet more regularly in thematic Councils (e.g.: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council) National civil servants posted to Brussels meet weekly to prepare the Ministerial meetings. They receive instructions from their governments and the meetings establish the basic positions of each country. This is known by the French acronym of COREPER (Committee of Permanent Representatives). The Council is supported by a small staff of European civil servants. Every 6 months the Presidency of the EU rotates between Member States (note that this rotation system will change post-enlargement).

EPHA Presentation The European Parliament The 'democratic' institution. Since 1999 the European Parliament has been directly elected by citizens. Most countries use a party list and a regional representation Agenda setting: Decides with the Council on the broad guidelines for EU policies and programmes Budgetary approval: The EP has to sign off on the accounts of the EU. It can withhold approval of the accounts and create specific budget lines. European legislation: (Co-Decision process means that EP approval is needed for all legislation). More info on

EPHA Presentation Members of the European Parliament P oliticians - elected for five years - as party members/national members - as members of EP political groups - as Committee members - as special interest 'experts’ e.g., Health and Consumer Intergroup - supported by European civil servants - and a large number of 'permanent visitors'

EPHA Presentation Health in the European Parliament Committees Environment, Public Health and Food Safety* (ENVI) Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Internal Market and Consumer Protection* (IMCO) Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) Health and Consumer Intergroup

EPHA Presentation The European Commission Official role as the ‘Guardian of the Treaty’. It has the sole right to initiate legislation, and monitors implementation of EU laws. If Member States do not implement laws adequately the Commission can start infringement procedures. Commissioners are appointed by the Member States but are required to act in the ‘European interest’ and not of their home country. They are supported by a Cabinet, usually of political appointees. Directorates-General are the core EU civil service, responsible for drafting EU legislation, organising public consultations and the day-to-day business of the EU.

EPHA Presentation How is responsibility for health issues covered at EU level? The Commission /1 DG Health and Consumer Protection DG Environment DG Employment and Social Affairs DG Internal Market and Services DG Competition DG Agriculture DG Development DG Education and Culture

EPHA Presentation How is responsibility for health issues covered at EU level? The Commission /2 DG Trade DG Research DG Information Society DG Transport DG Enterprise DG Tax and Customs European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA)

EPHA Presentation Why health needs to be addressed at EU level Many EU policies have an impact – direct or indirect – on the health of EU citizens Implementation of internal market legislation is de- facto creating policy on health related issues The European Commissioner has greater powers to promote animal welfare than for protecting human health

EPHA Presentation What does the EU treaty state? Article 152 of the Amsterdam Treaty states: “a high level of health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Community policies and activities” But the EU must respect Member State responsibilities for organisation and delivery of health care

EPHA Presentation What EU rights to health exist? “Everyone has the right of access to preventative healthcare and the right to benefit from medical treatment under the conditions established by national law and practices” Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, Adopted in Nice, 12/2000

EPHA Presentation The Public Health Programme “Programme of Community Action in the field of Public Health” Call for proposals in 2003, 2004 and 2005 Strand 1:Improving health information and knowledge Strand 2: Responding rapidly to health threats Strand 3:Addressing health determinants Next call for proposals will be announced in early 2005

EPHA Presentation The EU Health Policy Forum A 48 member multi-stakeholder group containing NGOs, health professionals, patients, consumers, trade unions, industry, insurers. Set up by the European Commission in November 2001, membership fixed for 2 years Meets every 6 months Information exchange, consultation, policy recommendations (Enlargement, Social policy and health, mobility of health professionals). Open Health Forum (May 2004 and November 2005)

EPHA Presentation Goals for EPHA Develop key consultative role for civil society as partners in health Promoting healthy public policies throughout EU activities EU Policy to be based on the highest common denominator rather than lowest.

EPHA Presentation European Public Health Alliance Rue d´Arlon B-1000 Brussels Belgium Tel : Fax :