In profile: cohesion policy improving health services in the regions
![](https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/repository/picture/2020-20/datastory_healthregions_60313.jpg)
date: 13/05/2020
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The EU's cohesion policy invests in health, a key asset for regional development and competitiveness, in order to reduce economic and social disparities. The health sector and public health policy is a very important issue across the European Union. Health spending accounts for almost 10% of the GDP in Europe with those people employed in health related fields accounting for 15% of the European workforce.
Cohesion policy investments in health are closely linked with the EU's health policy framework, including needs assessment and cost-effectiveness. Investments may address a number of different areas such as Europe’s ageing population, healthcare infrastructure and sustainable systems, e-health, health coverage and health promotion programmes.