Second programme of Community action in the field of health (2008-2013)

The second programme of Community action in the field of health draws on the results of the previous programme. It must therefore help to achieve a high level of protection for the health and safety of European citizens. It aims to improve citizens' health security, promote health and generate and disseminate knowledge and information on the subject. It replaces the previous programme.

ACT

Decision No 1350/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 establishing a second programme of Community action in the field of health (2008-2013).

SUMMARY

The first programme of Community action in the field of public health (2003-2008) contributed to fundamental improvements in this area.

However, the European Union (EU) must make further efforts to improve the health and safety of its citizens. This Decision therefore establishes a second programme of Community action in the field of health for the period from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2013. It draws on the achievements of the previous programme, which it replaces, and supplements and supports the policies of the Member States.

This second programme has three main objectives:

• to improve citizens' health security;
• to promote health, which involves reducing inequalities in this area;
• to generate and disseminate health information and knowledge.

Actions have been planned to achieve each of the objectives. These actions help to prevent major diseases and lessen their impact. They are set out in the Annex to the Decision.

Financing

The programme has a budget of 321 500 000 euro for the period 2008-2013.

Implementation of the programme

The Commission is responsible for implementing the programme in close cooperation with the Member States.

Within their respective fields of competence, the Commission and the Member States guarantee the efficient running of the programme and create mechanisms for achieving its objectives.

They guarantee the comparability of data and the compatibility of the systems for exchanging health information. They also cooperate with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and with other competent EU agencies.

Lastly, the Commission and the Member States ensure the protection, confidentiality and security of personal data throughout the implementation of the programme.

An annual work schedule for programme implementation is established. It sets the priorities to be respected and the actions to be taken.

Joint strategies and actions

In order to encourage the integration of health into other Community policies and to ensure a high level of health protection, actions in tandem with other Community programmes and actions can be established.

Participation of third countries

The programme is open to:

• EFTA/EEA countries (European Free Trade Association/European Economic Area), in accordance with the conditions of the EEA Agreement;
• third countries: countries included in the European Neighbourhood Policy, countries applying for accession, candidate accession countries or countries in the process of accession to the EU and the countries of the Western Balkans included in the stabilisation and association process, in accordance with the conditions set by the various bilateral or multilateral agreements.

International cooperation

Cooperation with non-participating third countries and the international organisations competent in the field of public health, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), is also encouraged.

Comitology

A committee assists the Commission with the implementation of the programme.

Evaluation

The Commission will present an independent external report on the results obtained, the qualitative and quantitative aspects of programme implementation, and its consistency and complementarity with other Community actions and programmes by 31 December 2010 at the latest. Its aim is to assess the impact of the measures taken. The Commission will also present a Communication on the continuation of the programme by 31 December 2011 at the latest, as well as an external ex-post evaluation report on the programme results by 31 December 2015 at the latest.

Repeal

This Decision repeals Decision No 1786/2002/EC.

See also

• For more information, please consult the "Public Health" website of the European Commission

Last updated: 08.04.2008