A specific context as far as health is concerned
At the European level, Member States hold primary responsibility for organising and delivering health services and medical care. The EU health policy therefore serves to complement national policies, to ensure health protection in all EU policies and to work towards a stronger Health Union.
In particular, the EU policies and actions in public health aim to:
- Protect and improve the health of EU citizens.
- Support the modernisation and digitalisation of health systems and infrastructure.
- Improve the resilience of Europe’s health systems.
- Equip EU countries to better prevent and address future pandemics.
The European Institutions have different roles in the field of health. The European Commission supports the efforts of European countries to protect and improve health of their citizens and to ensure the accessibility, effectiveness and resilience of their health systems. to ensure the accessibility, effectiveness and resilience of their health systems. This is done through various means, including by:
- Proposing legislation (tobacco, medical devices, health security, …)
- Providing financial support (EU4health, Horizon Europe, European Social Fund, …)
- Coordinating and facilitating the exchange of best practices between EU countries and health experts (Expert groups, Health policy platform, …)
- Health promotion activities.
For more information about EFORT activities at the EU level, please contact:
