The EU health policy forum strategic priorities (2008)

Health is one of the highest values for European citizens. There is a scope for actions at EU level aimed at improvement and protection of health that complement actions at national, regional, local and individual level. Although the EU does not have responsibility for delivering health care it has important competencies in improving public health, preventing illness and diseases and obviating sources of danger to human health and fostering cooperation between Member states. The EU also has extensive powers in policy sectors that have significant impact on public health, e.g. economic development, employment, agriculture, environment, internal market, taxes, budget and competition. It also has a major role in facilitating sharing best practices in the field of health. In 2007 the EU adopted a comprehensive health strategy for the period 2008-2013. This strategy identifies priorities, provides for integration of health in other policy areas and creates a financial instrument for support of health activities in member states. According to this EU Health Strategy the future actions at EU level will focus on addressing health issues related to population ageing, on responding to health threats and effective use of new technologies in health care.