This document is an excerpt from the EUR-Lex website
Good health is a major concern of European citizens. The European Union (EU) works for better health protection through its policies and activities, in accordance with Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. EU action on health issues aims to improve public health, prevent diseases and threats to health (including those related to lifestyle), as well as to promote research.
The EU does not define health policies, nor the organisation and provision of health services and medical care. Instead, its action serves to complement national policies and to support cooperation between member countries in the field of public health.