A Short Guide to Europe
This report has been produced by the North East Public Health Observatory (NEPHO) as the lead Observatory for Europe in the Association of Public Health Observatories. The document is intended to serve as a helpful reference and guide for those who are seeking to understand the European Union (EU) institutions especially in relation to public health. As the EU enlarges, its institutions have grown in size and complexity. This presents many challenges for those who recognise the need to forge relationships with colleagues in member states. With enlargement, the need for partnership and co-operation is now well established. The need to engage with colleagues across the EU and understand more about its institutions has come about for a number of reasons;
Public health is now a formal competency of the European Union. There is a formal responsibility for the European Union to “improve health”.
Secondly, many policies outside health have significant impact on the health of the population and on the delivery of (health) services. A good example of this is the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) that requires employers to ensure that their staff work no more than 49 hours per week.
Thirdly, the European Union is an important source of funding for public health projects. Under the public health programme for 2006, there is a total of €43million available for health projects.
Fourthly, statutory organisations are increasingly interested in making comparisons with similar organisations in Europe and not just within the United Kingdom.
This is not a comprehensive guide, more detailed information and references can be found on the Europa web-site. The primary purpose of the document is to inform public health professionals. A useful starting point for more detailed information and explanation are the Pubic Health section to be found on the Commission’s Health and Consumer Protection site, also known as DG SANCO.
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APHO Europe Guide (with links)
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