Challenges for an EU Health Strategy

Bernard MerkelHead of the Health Strategy Unit

Gastein, 4 October 2006Workshop on Health Strategy

2

Today’s presentation:

1. Why an EU Health Strategy now?

2. Challenges for an EU Health Strategy

3. (Possible) Key themes

4. The way ahead

3

1. Why an EU Health Strategy (1)

Because some issues need EU action global issues (e.g. threats, trade) cross-border issues (e.g. patient mobility) horizontal issues (e.g. ageing, technology, innovation, obesity, citizens’ agenda)

Because EU and MS together can improve health in Europe

set what can be done at EU level (co-ordination, global issues, synergies) see what can best be done at

national/local level (MS policies, objectives, milestones)

4

1. Why an EU Health Strategy now? (2)

What we have done so far Policy Communications 2000, 2005

Consultation 2004

What is missing Overall objectives and milestones

A strategic and integrated framework (all policies)

Action on key themes Real change

5

2. Challenges for an EU Health Strategy (1)

Set out aims, objectives (priorities) and milestones to guide health policy for years to come building on current objectives

(promote health and protect citizens)

Provide strategic overall framework cross-policy approach to health health mainstreaming and synergies EU and Member States’ co-operation

6

2. Challenges for an EU Health Strategy (2)

Shape policy agenda on key concerns e.g. inequalities, global health, health systems

Trigger change - deliver concrete results at all levels!

Set up implementation means Voluntary “targets” EU and MS Regular monitoring/reporting on

progress Update policy approach regularly

7

3. (Possible) Key themes

Bridging (the growing) Health inequalities

Challenge: Health and economic gapLife expectancy (men) ranges from 65 to 78 yearsInvestment in health ranges from 3.3 to over 11% of GDP

Need: solidarity and co-ordination within and between MSProblem known: what can EU & MS do?

8

3. (Possible) Key themes Responding to global health issues

Challenge: inter-action EU and global level

communicable diseasespandemicstradehealth and development aid

Need: improve health outside EU borders, solidarity, input in international health agendaProblem known: what can EU & MS do?

9

4. The way ahead

Gathering stakeholders’ views

Impact assessment

Adoption of Strategy in June 2007

Implement strategy and regular monitoring of results

Creation of implementation mechanism??Which implementation method / instruments??