Reflection process on EU health policy

Public bodies, interest groups and individual citizens were invited to contribute to the reflection process by 15 October 2004.

The reflection process generated a major debate across the EU and beyond involving countries as varied as the USA, Norway, Israel, and Switzerland. 193 contributions from national and regional authorities, NGOs, universities, individual citizens and companies have reached the Commission.

Outcomes:

• Contributions to the reflection process
• Report summarising the results of the Reflection Process
• Press release: "Citizens and stakeholders support Commissioner Byrne on future direction of EU health policy ", 25 October 2004

The reflection paper "Enabling good health for all " by former Commissioner Byrne outlines his view of the key principles that ought to guide the development of EU health policy over the coming years.

These include the role of good health as a driver of economic growth and the urgency of addressing health inequalities both between Member States and within them. The paper proposes a new direction for health policy: to shift from treating ill-health only to pro-actively promoting good health.

It also pinpoints the need to exploit synergies between different policies and mainstreaming health into all policy-making.

Achieving good health for all is a shared responsibility that requires co-operation between the EU, its Member States and its citizens. The EU is committed to bringing together all health players and building partnerships for health.

Further information, see:

• contributions to the reflection process
• health strategy