Healthcare associated infections affect an estimated 4.1 million hospitalised patients in the EU annually and lead to considerable increase in illness, mortality and costs. These infections are often difficult to treat due to antimicrobial resistance of the micro-organisms causing them. Furthermore, with the increasing mobility of populations within and between healthcare systems and the freedom in the European Union to seek medical treatment outside the country of residence, resistant micro-organisms can rapidly spread between countries.

In 2005, the Commission adopted a report on the implementation of Council Recommendation 2002/77/EC on the prudent use of antimicrobial agents in human medicine. One of the conclusions in this report was that, not only emergence, but also spread is an important driver in the problem of antimicrobial resistance.

Therefore, the Commission launched end 2005 a public consultation on strategies for improving patient safety by prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections. Based on this document and the consultation comments received, the Commission developed recommendations which have been integrated in a proposal for a Council Recommendation on patient safety, including the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections.

On 15 December 2008, the European Commission adopted a Communication and a proposal for a Council Recommendation on patient safety, including the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections.

On 9 June 2009, the Council adopted the Recommendation on patient safety, including the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections.


Council Recommendation:

Council Recommendation on patient safety, including the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections

Communication from the Commission:

Communication on patient safety, including the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections

Impact Assessment:

Executive summary
Impact assessment

Press release

Press release (click to choose your language)
Questions and Answers

Other information

Citizen's summary
Video clip
ECDC Annual epidemiological report on communicable diseases in Europe 2008 – Chapter 2: health-care associated infections
Useful links