Website of the Department of Health

Topics currently on the EU public health agenda

UK consultation response to Commission Communication on Health Services

The European Commission invited Member States to take part in a consultation on patient mobility and health care developments in the European Union.

• UK consultation response to Commission Communication on Health Services

UK response to European Commission discussion document on an EU health strategy

The European Commission invited Member States to comment on its new Health Strategy which it aims to adopt in summer 2007.

• UK response to European Commission discussion document on an EU health strategy

EU Tissues and Cells Directive

Directive and proposals for implementation: Public consultation on new regulations

• EU Tissues and Cells Directive

Setting standards of quality and safety for the donation, procurement, testing, processing, storage and distribution of human tissues and cells

Information on the European Directive to be implemented by 7 April 2006.

• Setting standards of quality and safety for the donation, procurement, testing, processing, storage and distribution of human tissues and cells

Draft Regulation on Human Tissue Engineered Products

The Commission is expected shortly to propose a draft regulation formally to the European Parliament and Council. A draft text is expected to be published in September 2005.

• Draft Regulation on Human Tissue Engineered Products

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)

The FCTC is an international treaty which has been developed under the auspices of the World Health Organisation. It is the first global health treaty and provides a framework for countries to implement an effective tobacco control strategy.

• The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (ESPHCA) Council

Current business of the Council (attended by the appropriate ministers from each of the member states), which generally meets four times a year.

• Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (ESPHCA) Council

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

The aim of this proposal is to introduce a EU wide European Health Insurance Card to replace form E111 by 31 December 2005 at the latest.

• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

International Health Regulations

Member states have until December 2006 to decide whether to enter any reservations or rejections to the new IHR, which will come into force generally in June 2007.

• International Health Regulations

EU Presidency 2005

The main health themes of the UK Presidency of the EU, which ran from July to December 2005, were improving patient safety and tackling health inequalities. The Presidency has now passed to Austria from 1 January 2006. This section will remain on line for reference for the time being but will no longer be updated.

• EU Presidency 2005
• Austrian EU Presidency 2006 (opens new window)
• Health policy themes of the Austrian EU Presidency (opens new window)

Open Method of Co-ordination in health care and long-term care: national report

Introduction to the UK national strategy report under the Open Method of Co-ordination - a method of sharing best practice and information between European Union Member States as they tackle common challenges.

• Open Method of Co-ordination in health care and long-term care: national report