A4-0018/95

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision adopting a programme of Community action on health promotion, information, education and training within the framework for action in the field of public health (COM(94)0202 - C4-0079/94 - 94/0130(COD))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 1)

Recital 5

>Original text>

Whereas the conclusions of the Council and the Ministers for Health of the Member States, meeting within the Council, of 13 November 1992, concerning health education based on the Commission communication to the Council of 11 May 1992 on school health education, identified the school as a vital setting for systematically developing a healthy lifestyle that will enable sickness and accidents to be reduced, considered that there were a variety of other settings such as homes, local communities, workplaces, hospitals, etc. in which health promotion and health education had a central role, and invited the Commission to strengthen cooperation between Member States in implementing effective health promotion and health education actions in the various settings;

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the conclusions of the Council and the Ministers for Health of the Member States, meeting within the Council, of 13 November 1992, concerning health education based on the Commission communication to the Council of 11 May 1992 on school health education, identified the school as a vital setting for systematically developing a healthy lifestyle that will enable sickness and accidents to be reduced, considered that there were a variety of other settings such as homes, local communities, workplaces, hospitals, pharmacies, etc. in which health promotion and health education had a central role, and invited the Commission to strengthen cooperation between Member States in implementing effective health promotion and health education actions in the various settings;

(Amendment 2)

Recital 7a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the proportion of persons aged 60 or over in the Community is increasing and will account for around 24% of the total population by 2010; whereas it is desirable that this section of the population be encouraged to remain as healthy and as free from disease as possible for as long as possible;

(Amendment 4)

Recital 9a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas some social policy objectives coincide with public health objectives, as a feeling of well-being at work is a factor in each human being's personal development and psychological balance;

(Amendment 5)

Recital 11a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas health promotion activities not only include information, prevention and training but also entail the establishment of minimum qualitative criteria to protect the citizens of Europe with regard to diagnosis and cure in the health systems of the Member States of the Union;

(Amendment 6)

Recital 13a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas, although prolonged health in old age is universally desirable, the tendency of women to live longer than men, and (in part for that reason) for their financial resources to be put under greater strain, requires particular recognition;

(Amendment 7)

Recital 14a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas Article 129 of the EC Treaty acknowledges that health protection must be achieved by making it a constituent part of the Community's other policies;

(Amendment 8)

Article 1

>Original text>

A Community action programme on health promotion, information, education and training is adopted for a five-year period, from 1 January 1995 to 31 December 1999.

>Text following EP vote>

A Community action programme on health promotion, information, education and training is adopted for a five-year period, from 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000. This programme shall take account of the various past or current actions implemented in the Member States by either the relevant authorities or other bodies involved in health policy.

(Amendment 9)

Article 2

>Original text>

The Commission shall ensure implementation of the actions set out in the Annex in accordance with Article 5 and in close cooperation with the Member States and the institutions and organizations active in health promotion.

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall ensure implementation of the actions set out in the Annex in accordance with Article 5 and in close cooperation with the Member States. It shall also act in cooperation with the institutions and organizations active in health promotion.

(Amendment 10)

Article 3

>Original text>

The budgetary authority shall determine the appropriations available for each financial year.

>Text following EP vote>

The budgetary authority shall determine the appropriations available for each financial year, taking into account the principles of sound management laid down in Article 2 of the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities, and on the basis of the information provided by the updated financial record sheet.

(Amendment 11)

Article 4

>Original text>

The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between the Community actions to be implemented under this programme and the other relevant Community programmes and initiatives.

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between the Community actions to be implemented under this programme and all the other relevant Community actions - policies programmes and initiatives - affecting health, especially in the areas of education and training, and of health and safety at work. It shall ensure inter alia that coordination between its departments is stepped up so that health requirements are properly taken into account in other Community policies.

(Amendment 12)

Article 5(2), first subparagraph

>Original text>

2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft, within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.

>Text following EP vote>

2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The European Parliament and the Committee shall deliver their opinions on the draft, within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.

(Amendment 13)

Article 5(2), third subparagraph

>Original text>

The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account.

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinions delivered by the European Parliament and the Committee. It shall inform the European Parliament and the Committee of the manner in which their opinions have been taken into account.

(Amendment 14)

Article 6(1)

>Original text>

1. The Community shall encourage cooperation with non-member countries and with international public health organizations, including the World Health Organization.

>Text following EP vote>

1. The Community shall encourage cooperation with non-member countries and with international public health organizations, including the World Health Organization. The Community shall strengthen cooperation with international organizations, non-governmental organizations, non-profit-making organizations and the private sector whose main objective concerns health or which are active in the fields of social integration or health.

(Amendment 15)

Article 7(2a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

2a. This report shall give a detailed indication of the progress made in integrating public health objectives into Community policy areas.

(Amendment 16)

ANNEX (A)(1)

>Original text>

1. Efforts to contribute to a better knowledge of the psycho-sociological mechanisms involved and of health information methods and techniques as well as fostering the assessment of results.

>Text following EP vote>

1. Support and coordination of the work carried out in the Member States with a view to a better knowledge of the psycho-sociological mechanisms involved and of health information methods and techniques.

Fostering the assessment and dissemination of results and the use of information and data from the networks of pharmacies throughout the territory.

(Amendment 17)

ANNEX (A)(2a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

2a. Launch of a European research programme aimed at harmonizing the definitions and scientific data of Member States in the field of health, in conjunction with other specific programmes, in particular the 'health indicators' programme.

(Amendment 18)

ANNEX (A)(2b) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

2b. Promotion of and support for research programmes in the field of epidemiology, in conjunction with the other specific programmes, in particular the 'BIOMED' programme.

Promotion of a 'social' health epidemiology.

(Amendment 19)

ANNEX (A)(3)

>Original text>

3. Support for a European infrastructure for information and documentation on public health and health promotion for use by professionals, administrators and decision-makers in the field of public health, and dissemination to interested parties of information on the Community's activities in this field.

>Text following EP vote>

3. Support for transnational networks of reference centres and documentation on public health and health promotion for use by professionals, (doctors, pharmacists, etc.), administrators and decision-makers in the field of public health, and dissemination to interested parties of information on the Community's activities in this field.

(Amendment 20)

ANNEX (A)(3a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

3a. Drawing-up of a 'state of health in the European Union' report in the 'health indicators' programme.

(Amendment 21)

ANNEX (B)(4)

>Original text>

4. Promotion, by consultation between the Member States, of the inclusion of health education in school curricula and support for the development and distribution of appropriate health education programmes, teaching materials, and modules. Support for demonstration projects and innovative measures with the aim of promoting healthy lifestyles and behaviour, including support for the European Network of Health Promoting Schools in cooperation with WHO and the Council of Europe.

>Text following EP vote>

4. Promotion, in consultation with the Member States, of greater integration of health education, including sex education, in school curricula and development of exchanges of experience, teaching materials, and training staff inter alia by means of pilot projects, in order to promote healthy lifestyles and behaviour.

Support for the European Network of Health Promoting Schools in cooperation with WHO and the Council of Europe.

(Amendment 22)

ANNEX (B)(4a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

4a. Support for voluntary or official organizations promoting health advice and information for middle-aged and older people, especially women.

(Amendments 23, 50 and 46)

ANNEX (B)(5)

>Original text>

5. Support for health education measures in the workplace, particularly in relation to prevention of alcohol abuse and tobacco consumption, and nutrition.

>Text following EP vote>

5. Support, in cooperation with the social partners, for health education measures and health and safety promotion and prevention measures in the workplace and in all branches of activity, in relation to prevention of alcohol abuse and tobacco consumption, and nutrition, and in particular support for measures to prevent occupational diseases. These measures should be organized in conjunction with the social partners and take account of the specific nature of the professional activities carried out at the workplace. As part of this policy of health education and prevention, the European Parliament encourages all Institutions in the European Union to move towards creating a smoke-free environment in their buildings.

(Amendment 24)

ANNEX (B)(5a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

5a. Support for health education measures, health and safety promotion in and around the home, particularly in relation to accidents in the home.

(Amendment 25)

ANNEX (B)(6)

>Original text>

6. Support for health education projects among young persons and adolescents who have left the school system in settings such as sport and leisure activities and socio-cultural activity centres, including innovative means of providing continuing structured health education.

>Text following EP vote>

6. Support for and coordination and assessment of health education, including sex education, projects among young persons and adolescents who have left the school system, drawn up and implemented by either official bodies or private associations and non-governmental organizations in settings such as sport and leisure activities and socio-cultural activity centres, including innovative means of providing continuing structured health education.

(Amendment 26)

ANNEX (B)(6a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

6a. Greater coordination in the field of health education with the specific programmes on cancer, AIDS and drug dependence.

(Amendment 27)

ANNEX (B)(6b) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

6b. Support for health education projects which are accessible to the most disadvantaged sections of the population.

(Amendment 28)

ANNEX (B)(6c) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

6c. Support for innovative pilot projects with regard to continuing structured health education for adults.

(Amendment 29)

ANNEX (B)(6d) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

6d. Support for health education projects among older people in their local community, drawn up and implemented by either official bodies or private associations and non-governmental organizations, including innovative means of providing continuing structured health education with a view to promoting a healthier population and reducing the costs of health care.

(Amendment 30)

ANNEX (C)(8)

>Original text>

8. Promotion of cooperation between the Member States on the content of training courses and training activities in the fields of public health and health promotion for professionals, administrators, managers and decision- makers, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches.

>Text following EP vote>

8. Promotion of exchanges of training modules and training experiences in the fields of public health and health promotion for professionals, administrators, managers and decision-makers, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches.

(Amendment 31)

ANNEX (C)(9)

>Original text>

9. Support for training activities concerning health education in schools aimed at teachers, instructors, and other staff concerned including development of modules, teaching aids and materials. Support for training for health professionals in the prevention of diseases, early detection of alcoholism and information for the public on the use of medicines and self- medication.

>Text following EP vote>

9. Support for training activities concerning health education in schools aimed at teachers, instructors, and other staff concerned including development of modules, teaching aids and materials.

(Amendment 48)

ANNEX (C)(9a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

9a. Support for training for health professionals in health promotion, the prevention and early detection of diseases and information for the public on the use of medicines, including generic medicines and self-medication.

(Amendment 33)

ANNEX (C)(9b) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

9b. Support for measures to train health professionals in approaching people from different backgrounds, particularly with regard to the ways of life and thinking of the most disadvantaged sections of the population.

(Amendments 34 and 49)

ANNEX (D)(10)

>Original text>

10. Support for integrated health promotion activities and projects relating to disadvantaged or vulnerable groups and particular territorial areas, and incorporating the intersectoral dimension of health promotion.

>Text following EP vote>

10. Support for integrated health promotion activities and projects relating more particularly to groups known to be at risk because of their vulnerability and social marginalization (especially the elderly), socio- cultural differences (migrants) or the fact that they live in the less- favoured or remote regions of the European Union, including those carried out in cooperation with international organizations and non-governmental organizations concerned primarily with health or operating in the social field. Integration of health promotion in programmes to combat social exclusion and vulnerability.

(Amendment 35)

ANNEX (D)(11)

>Original text>

11. Examination of the role of balanced nutrition as a health protection measure and of nutrition in the etiology of diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases. Promotion of analysis, evaluation and exchange of experience in respect of innovative measures for the prevention of cardiovascular and related diseases.

>Text following EP vote>

11. Funding of studies on the role of nutrition and other lifestyle factors in the etiology of diseases and studies concerning information for the general public with a view to better understanding the basic principles of nutrition and new techniques and methods of presentation and preparation of foodstuffs. The Commission must ensure further integration of health considerations into other areas of Community policy.

(Amendment 36)

ANNEX (D)(11a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

11a. Promotion of exchanges of experience and information and support for activities aimed at the prevention of cardiovascular and related diseases and common chronic disorders.

(Amendment 37)

ANNEX (D)(11b) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

11b. Promotion of exchanges of experience and information and support for activities and campaigns to combat alcohol abuse and its medical and social consequences.

(Amendment 38)

ANNEX (D)(11c) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

11c. Support for preventive measures such as measures to promote regular exercise, campaigns to encourage proper hygiene, vaccination campaigns, early detection and physical and mental health education.

(Amendment 39)

ANNEX (D)(11d) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

11d. Support for studies into the ageing populations of the European Union and exchanges of experience on the prevention of related diseases, in coordination with the other specific programmes, in particular, the 'BIOMED' programme.

(Amendment 40)

ANNEX (D)(11e) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

11e. Promotion of exchanges of experience and information and support for a campaign concerning sex and contraception.

(Amendment 41)

ANNEX (D)(11f) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

11f. Promotion of exchanges of experience and information and support for preventive measures in the field of allergies and the disorders caused by them.

(Amendment 47)

ANNEX (D)(12)

>Original text>

12. Support for activities on medication, including self-medication, in cooperation with general practitioners and pharmacists, as well as efforts to monitor the development of practices and assess their implications.

>Text following EP vote>

12. Support for activities on medication, including self-medication, and use of generic medicines, as well as actions to monitor the development of these practices and their implications, in cooperation with general practitioners and pharmacists.

(Amendment 43)

ANNEX (D)(12a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

12a. Support for centres which collect and disseminate independent information about the rational use and effects of medicines.

(Amendment 44)

ANNEX (E)(13)

>Original text>

13. Surveys and comparative analyses of health promotion structures and strategies and assessment of these policies, as well as activities to encourage and support cooperation between Member States on various strategic aspects of public health and health promotion.

>Text following EP vote>

13. Surveys and comparative analyses of health promotion structures and strategies and assessment of these policies. Activities to encourage and support cooperation between Member States on various strategic aspects of public health and health promotion, including support for the activities of the European Network of Healthy Cities in cooperation with the WHO, especially in the area of evaluation of health promotion policies.

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision adopting a programme of Community action on health promotion, information, education and training within the framework for action in the field of public health (COM(94)0202 - C4-0079/94 - 94/0130(COD))

(Codecision procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council, COM(94)0202 - 94/0130(COD) ((OJ C 252, 9.9.1994, p. 3.)),

- having regard to Articles 189b(2) and 129 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C4-0079/94),

- having regard to Rule 58 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection and the opinions of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Social Affairs and Employment and the Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media (A4-0018/95),

1. Approves the Commission proposal, subject to Parliament's amendments;

2. Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 189a(2) of the EC Treaty;

3. Calls on the Council to incorporate Parliament's amendments in the common position that it adopts in accordance with Article 189b(2) of the EC Treaty;

4. Points out that the Commission is required to submit to Parliament any modification it may intend to make to its proposal as amended by Parliament;

5. Instructs its President to forward this opinion to the Council and Commission.