Amended proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council adopting a programme of Community action in the field of public health (2001-2006) (presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC-Treaty)
Date: 2001-06-01
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU action, access to information, disease prevention, health policy, public health

C 240 E/168

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

28.8.2001

Amended proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council adopting a
programme of Community action in the field of public health (2001-2006) (1)

(2001/C 240 E/26)

(Text with EEA relevance)

COM(2001) 302 final (cid:151) 2000/0119(COD)

(Submitted by the Commission pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC-Treaty on 1 June 2001)

(1) OJ C 337 E, 28.11.2000, p. 122.

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE
EUROPEAN UNION,

Unchanged

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community, and in particular Article 152 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of
Committee,

the Economic and Social

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions,

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article
251 of the Treaty,

Whereas:

disease,

committed

to promoting

is
and
(1) The Community
reducing avoidable mortality and
improving health,
activity-impairing
and
disability, preventing
countering potential threats to health. The Community
must address in a co-ordinated and coherent way the
concerns of its people about risks to health and their
expectations for a high-level of health protection and,
therefore, all health-related activities of the Community
must have a high degree of visibility and transparency
and allow consultation and participation of all stake-
holders in a balanced way,
in order to promote better
knowledge and communication flows and thus enable a
larger involvement of individuals in decisions that concern
their health.

committed

to promoting

is
and
(1) The Community
improving health,
reducing avoidable morbidity and
premature mortality and activity-impairing disability,
threats to
preventing disease, and countering potential
health. The Community must address in a co-ordinated
and coherent way the concerns of its people about risks
to health and their expectations for a high-level of gender-
specific health protection and, therefore, all health-related
activities of the Community must have a high degree of
visibility and transparency and allow consultation and
participation of all stakeholders in a balanced way,
in
order to promote better knowledge and communication
flows and thus enable a larger involvement of individuals
in decisions that concern their health. The Community
should take into account people’s
to receive
simple, clear and scientifically sound information about
their
of
improving their quality of life.

and ways

treatment

available

illnesses,

right

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(2) Health should be a priority beyond political or financial
compromises. Under Article 152 of
the Treaty the
Community is required to play an active role in this
sector by taking measures which cannot be taken by indi-
vidual States,
in accordance with the principle of sub-
sidiarity.

(2) In the context of the public health framework set out in
the Commission communication of 24 November 1993
on the framework for action in the field of public
health (1), eight action programmes were adopted, namely:

(3) In the context of the public health framework set out in
the Commission communication of 24 November 1993
on the framework for action in the field of public
health (1), eight action programmes were adopted, namely:

(cid:151) Decision No 645/96/EC of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 29 March 1996 adopting a
health
programme
promotion,
training
within the framework for action in the field of
public health (1996 to 2000) (2);

of Community
information,

action
education and

on

(cid:151) Decision No 645/96/EC of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 29 March 1996 adopting a
health
programme
promotion,
training
within the framework for action in the field of
public health (1996 to 2000) (2);

of Community
information,

action
education and

on

(cid:151) Decision No 646/96/EC of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 29 March 1996 adopting an
action plan to combat cancer within the framework
for action in the field of public health (1996 to
2000) (3);

(cid:151) Decision No 646/96/EC of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 29 March 1996 adopting an
action plan to combat cancer within the framework
for action in the field of public health (1996 to
2000) (3);

(cid:151) Decision No 647/96/EC of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 29 March 1996 adopting a
programme of Community action on the prevention
of AIDS and certain other communicable diseases
within the framework for action in the field of
public health (1996 to 2000) (4);

(cid:151) Decision No 647/96/EC of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 29 March 1996 adopting a
programme of Community action on the prevention
of AIDS and certain other communicable diseases
within the framework for action in the field of
public health (1996 to 2000) (4);

(cid:151) Decision No 102/97/EC of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 16 December 1996 adopting
a programme of Community action on the prevention
of drug dependence within the framework for action
in the field of public health (1996 to 2000) (5);

(cid:151) Decision No 102/97/EC of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 16 December 1996 adopting
a programme of Community action on the prevention
of drug dependence within the framework for action
in the field of public health (1996 to 2000) (5);

(cid:151) Decision No 1400/97/EC of the European Parliament
the Council of 30 June 1997 adopting a
and of
programme of Community action on health moni-
toring within the framework for action in the field
of public health (1997 to 2001) (6);

(cid:151) Decision No 1400/97/EC of the European Parliament
the Council of 30 June 1997 adopting a
and of
programme of Community action on health moni-
toring within the framework for action in the field
of public health (1997 to 2001) (6);

___________
(1) COM(93) 559 final of 24.11.1993.
(2) OJ L 95, 16.4.1996, p. 1.
(3) OJ L 95, 16.4.1996, p. 9.
(4) OJ L 95, 16.4.1996, p. 16.
(5) OJ L 19, 22.1.1997, p. 25.
(6) OJ L 193, 22.7.1997, p. 1.

___________
(1) COM(93) 559 final of 24.11.1993.
(2) OJ L 95, 16.4.1996, p. 1.
(3) OJ L 95, 16.4.1996, p. 9.
(4) OJ L 95, 16.4.1996, p. 16.
(5) OJ L 19, 22.1.1997, p. 25.
(6) OJ L 193, 22.7.1997, p. 1.

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28.8.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(cid:151) Decision No 372/1999/EC of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 8 February 1999 adopting a
injury
programme
prevention in the framework for action in the field
of public health (1999 to 2003) (1);

Community

action

on

of

(cid:151) Decision No 372/1999/EC of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 8 February 1999 adopting a
injury
programme
prevention in the framework for action in the field
of public health (1999 to 2003) (1);

Community

action

on

of

(cid:151) Decision No

1295/1999/EC of

European
Parliament and of
the Council of 29 April 1999
adopting a programme of Community action on rare
diseases within the framework for action in the field
of public health (1999 to 2003) (2); and

the

(cid:151) Decision No

the

1296/1999/EC of

European
the Council of 29 April 1999
Parliament and of
adopting a programme of Community action on
pollution-related diseases
the
framework for action in the field of public health
(1999 to 2001) (3).

context of

in the

(cid:151) Decision No

1295/1999/EC of

European
Parliament and of
the Council of 29 April 1999
adopting a programme of Community action on rare
diseases within the framework for action in the field
of public health (1999 to 2003) (2); and

the

(cid:151) Decision No

the

1296/1999/EC of

European
the Council of 29 April 1999
Parliament and of
adopting a programme of Community action on
pollution-related diseases
the
framework for action in the field of public health
(1999 to 2001) (3).

context of

in the

(4) In the context of Community action in the field of public
the European
health, Decision No 2119/98/EC of
Parliament and of
the Council of 24 September 1998
setting up a network for the epidemiological surveillance
and
the
communicable
Community (4) was adopted.

diseases

control

of

in

included

in the context of

the public health
(3) Other activities
framework
the Council Recommendation
98/463/EC 29 June 1998 (4) on the suitability of blood
and plasma donors and the screening of donated blood in
the European Community of Decision No 2119/98/EC of
the Council of
the
24 September 1998 setting up a network for the epidemi-
surveillance
ological
communicable
and control of
in the Community (5), and Recommendation
diseases
1999/519/EC on 12 July 1999 on the limitation of
exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields
0 Hz to 300 GHz (6).

European Parliament

and of

included

in the context of

the public health
(5) Other activities
framework
the Council Recommendation
98/463/EC 29 June 1998 (5) on the suitability of blood
and plasma donors and the screening of donated blood in
the
Recommendation
1999/519/EC of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of
exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields
0 Hz to 300 GHz (6).

Community

European

and

___________
(1) OJ L 46, 20.2.1999, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 155, 22.6.1999, p. 1.
(3) OJ L 155, 22.6.1999, p. 7.
(4) OJ L 203, 21.7.1998, p. 14.
(5) OJ L 268, 3.10.1998, p. 1.
(6) OJ L 199, 30.7.1999, p. 59.

___________
(1) OJ L 46, 20.2.1999, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 155, 22.6.1999, p. 1.
(3) OJ L 155, 22.6.1999, p. 7.
(4) OJ L 268, 3.10.1998, p. 1.
(5) OJ L 203, 21.7.1998, p. 14.
(6) OJ L 199, 30.7.1999, p. 59.

28.8.2001

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C 240 E/171

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(4) The public health framework was

reviewed in the
Commission communication of 15 April 1998 on the
development of public health policy in the European
Community (1), which indicated that
a new health
strategy and programme were needed in view of
the
new Treaty provisions, new challenges and experience
so far;

(6) The public health framework was

reviewed in the
Commission communication of 15 April 1998 on the
development of public health policy in the European
Community (1), which indicated that
a new health
strategy and programme were needed in view of
the
new Treaty provisions, new challenges and experience
so far;

(5) The Council in its conclusions of 26 November 1998 on
the future framework for Community action in the field of
public health (2), and in its Resolution of 8 June 1999 (3),
the Economic and Social Committee,
in its opinion of
9 September 1998 (4), the Committee of the Regions, in
its opinion of 19 November 1998 (5), and the European
Parliament,
in its Resolution A4-0082/99 of 12 March
1999 (6), welcomed the Commission communication of
15 April 1998 and supported the view that actions at
in one overall
should be set out
Community level
five years
programme to run for a period of at least
and
namely
three
improving information for the development of public
health, reacting rapidly to health threats and tackling
through health promotion and
health determinants
disease prevention, underpinned by inter-sectoral action
and the use of all appropriate Treaty instruments;

comprising

objectives,

general

three

comprising

(7) The Council in its conclusions of 26 November 1998 on
the future framework for Community action in the field of
public health (2), and in its Resolution of 8 June 1999 (3),
the Economic and Social Committee,
in its opinion of
9 September 1998 (4), the Committee of the Regions, in
its opinion of 19 November 1998 (5), and the European
Parliament,
in its Resolution A4-0082/99 of 12 March
1999 (6), welcomed the Commission communication of
15 April 1998 and supported the view that actions at
in one overall
should be set out
Community level
programme to run for a period of at least five years
and
namely
improving health information, reacting rapidly to health
threats and tackling health determinants, underpinned by
inter-sectoral action and the use of all appropriate Treaty
instruments.
to have
objective, reliable and comparable information to enable
in the field of
rigorous monitoring to be carried out
for
level;
health at Community
providing this type of information already exist in the
Member States and in the Community, it is necessary to
ensure a high level of co-ordination between actions and
initiatives at European level,
to promote co-operation
between Member States and to ensure the effectiveness
of existing and future networks in the field of public
health.

since mechanisms

is essential

objectives,

In this

respect,

general

it

(8) The major burdens of disease in Europe are neuropsy-
cardiovascular diseases, malignant
chiatric disorders,
neoplasms, unintentional injuries and respiratory diseases.

(9) Infectious diseases, especially sexually transmitted diseases,
are becoming a threat for the health of people in Europe.

___________
(1) COM(1998) 230 final.
(2) OJ C 390, 15.12.1998, p. 1.
(3) OJ C 200, 15.7.1999, p. 1.
(4) OJ C 407, 28.12.1998, p. 26.
(5) OJ C 51, 22.2.1999, p. 53.
(6) OJ C 175, 21.6.1999, p. 135.

___________
(1) COM(1998) 230 final.
(2) OJ C 390, 15.12.1998, p. 1.
(3) OJ C 200, 15.7.1999, p. 1.
(4) OJ C 407, 28.12.1998, p. 26.
(5) OJ C 51, 22.2.1999, p. 53.
(6) OJ C 175, 21.6.1999, p. 135.

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28.8.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(10) In its resolution of 29 June 2000 on the follow-up to the
Evora conference on health determinants (1), the Council
considered that the increasing differences in health status
and health outcomes between and within Member States
call for renewed and co-ordinated efforts at national and
Community
Commission’s
welcomed
commitment
for a new public
health programme containing a specific strand of action
aimed at addressing health determinants by means of
health promotion and disease prevention underpinned
by intersectoral policy and agreed that there was a need
to develop the appropriate knowledge-base for this and,
therefore, an efficacious health monitoring system must
be established for this purpose.

level,
to submit a proposal

the

(11) The Council adopted unanimously a resolution on the

promotion of mental health on 18 November 1999 (2).

(12) It is essential to collect, process and analyse health data at
Community level in order to obtain objective, reliable and
comparable information enabling the Community and the
Member States to monitor public health and to take
appropriate action to achieve a high level of health
protection,
and facilitate public
information.

evaluate

results

its

(13) The Community and the Member States have at their
disposal certain means and mechanisms in relation to
it is therefore essential to
information and surveillance;
taken by the
co-ordinate the measures and actions
the
Community and the Member States to implement
programme.

(14) It is essential that the Commission, through appropriate
the effectiveness and
structural arrangements, ensures
the programme
cohesion of measures and actions of
and promotes the co-operation between the Member
States.

___________
(1) OJ C 218, 31.7.2000, p. 8.
(2) OJ C 86, 24.3.2000, p. 1.

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(6) The overall aim of the public health programme should
be to make a contribution towards the attainment of a
high level of health protection by directing action towards
improving public health, preventing human illness and
diseases, and obviating sources of danger
to health.
Action should be guided by the need to prevent
expectancy without
premature
and
disability or
the
physical
economic and social consequences of
thus
reducing health inequalities;

life
and minimise
ill health,

sickness, promote quality of

and mental well-being,

increase

death,

life

action

towards

(15) The overall aim of the public health programme is to
contribute towards the attainment of a high level of
physical and mental health and well-being and greater
equity in health matters throughout the Community, by
directing
improving public health,
combating morbidity and premature mortality, preventing
human diseases and disorders, and obviating sources of
to health, while taking gender and age into
danger
consideration. To fulfil this aim, action should be guided
by the need to increase life expectancy without disability
or sickness, promote quality of
life and physical and
mental well-being, and minimise the economic and
social consequences of ill health taking into account the
regional dimension, thus reducing health inequalities;

(16) The general objectives of the programme shall be

(cid:151) to improve information and knowledge for the devel-

opment of public health

(cid:151) to enhance the capability of responding rapidly to

threats to health

(cid:151) to address health determinants.

(17) In order

to achieve these objectives,

the programme
should take into account
the importance of education
and training, networking and supporting the development
of centres of excellence.

(18) Achieving the overall aim, and the general objectives of
the programme requires effective co-operation of
the
Member States, their full commitment in the implemen-
tation of Community actions, and the involvement of
institutions, associations, organisations and bodies in the
large. To ensure
health field as well as the public at
existing
sustainability
established
Community
Community and national networks should be used to
pull
together expertise and experience from Member
States on effective methods for the implementation of
public health interventions, quality criteria and disease
prevention activities.

and
the
investment

use
capacity,

efficient
and

of

(7) Achieving this aim, and the general objectives of
of

the
programme
the
effective
Member States, their full commitment in the implemen-
tation of Community actions, and the involvement of
actors in the health field as well as the public at large;

co-operation

requires

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(19) To enable the programme to operate smoothly and
effectively,
sustained
essential
co-operation with the health authorities of the Member
States, and with bodies and non-governmental organi-
sations active in the health sector.

establish

to

is

it

(20) Data from the private sector in the field of health should
also be taken into account for the completeness of the
programme.

(21) The Community has opened negotiations with a number
of countries with a view to accession, and the Community
Institutions are in the process of considering the health
impact of enlargement; the candidate countries should be
actively involved in the development and implementation
of the new programme.

the

complexity,

in Article 5 of

(22) In accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and
proportionality set out
the Treaty,
Community action on matters which do not fall within
the exclusive competence of
the Community, such as
public health, should be undertaken only if and insofar
as, by reason of its scale or effects, its objective can be
better achieved by the Community. The objectives of the
programme cannot be sufficiently accomplished by the
Member States and therefore the programme should
support and co-ordinate the Member States’ actions and
measures because of
transnational
character and lack of complete control at Member State
level over the factors affecting health status and health
systems. The programme can provide significant added
value to promoting health in the Community through
and programmes which
the
institutions,
enhance
associations, organisations and bodies in the health field
by facilitating the exchange of best practice and training
and by providing a basis for a common analysis of the
factors affecting public health. Also, the programme can
have added value in the event of threats to public health
of a cross-border nature, e.g. infectious diseases, environ-
mental pollution or food contamination, to the extent that
they prompt joint strategies and actions. The programme
will enable the Community to contribute towards fulfilling
its Treaty obligations in the field of public health while
fully respecting the responsibilities of the Member States
for the organisation and delivery of health services and
health care. This Decision does not go beyond what is
necessary to achieve those objectives.

structures
capabilities of

support of
the

individuals,

in Article 5 of

(8) In accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and
proportionality set out
the Treaty,
Community action on matters which do not fall within
the exclusive competence of
the Community, such as
public health, should be undertaken only if and insofar
as, by reason of its scale or effects, its objective can be
better achieved by the Community. The objectives of the
programme cannot be sufficiently accomplished by the
Member States because of the complexity, transnational
character and lack of complete control at Member State
level over the factors affecting health status and health
systems. The programme will enable the Community to
contribute towards fulfilling its Treaty obligations in the
field of public health while fully respecting the responsi-
bilities of the Member States for the organisation and
delivery of health services and health care. This Decision
does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve those
objectives.

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

conditions

arising out of

(9) The measures under the programme underpin the health
strategy of
the Community and will yield Community
added value by responding to needs in health policy
and health systems
and
structures established through Community action in
other
fields, by addressing new developments, new
threats and new problems for which the Community
its
would be in a better position to act
people, by bringing together activities undertaken in
relative isolation and with limited impact at national
level and by complementing them in order to achieve
positive results for the people of the Community, and
by contributing to the strengthening of solidarity and
cohesion in the Community.

to protect

conditions

arising out of

(23) The measures under the programme underpin the health
strategy of
the Community and will yield Community
added value by responding to needs in health policy
and health systems
and
structures established through Community action in
other
fields, by addressing new developments, new
threats and new problems for which the Community
its
would be in a better position to act
people, by bringing together activities undertaken in
relative isolation and with limited impact at national
level and by complementing them in order to achieve
positive results for the people of the Community, and
by contributing to the strengthening of solidarity and
cohesion in the Community. The new health strategy
and public health action programme should provide the
opportunity to further develop the citizens’ dimension of
EC health policy.

to protect

(10) In order to ensure that actions can address broad health
issues and threats effectively in co-operation with other
Community policies and activities the programme should
provide for the possibility of undertaking joint actions
with related Community programmes and actions.

(24) The programme should in this context contribute to the
definition of minimum quality standards applicable to
health and minimum standards governing patients’ rights.

(25) In order to ensure that actions can address broad health
issues and threats effectively in co-operation with other
Community policies and activities the programme should
provide for the possibility of undertaking joint actions
with related Community programmes and actions. A
proactive use of other Community policies, such as the
structural funds and social policy, could influence health
determinants in a positive way. A strong link should be
established between EC industrial policy in areas relevant
to health (such as pharmaceuticals and other medical
for public health.
products)
and the EC strategy
Measures will be taken in order
integrate
to better
health concerns into all EC policies.

(26) In developing the measures under the programme and
joint actions with relevant Community programmes and
activities, it should be ensured that health requirements
are incorporated into other Community policies and
actions, and are underpinned by intersectoral policy to
ensure a high level of human health protection in the
definition and implementation of all Community policies
and actions.

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(27) Effective implementation of the measures and actions and
the achievement of the desired impact of the programme
the data collected and the
require comparability of
compatibility and interoperability of
the systems and
exchanging information and data on
networks
health.
information is
It
exchanged on the basis of comparable and compatible
data.

for
is of prime importance that

(28) In general,

the measures

the
programme should take account of the development of
new technologies and information technology applications
in the health sector.

actions under

and

(29) In the implementation of the measures and actions under
the programme and,
those relating to
information technology in the field of public health, over-
lapping should be avoided.

in particular,

(30) The experience acquired from different charters in the
field of public health should be taken into account.

(31) The Feira European Council in June 2000 endorsed the
(cid:145)e-Europe 2002 Action Plan on An Information Society
For All(cid:146) which under Health Online urges Member States
to develop an infrastructure of user-friendly, validated and
interoperable
for health education, disease
prevention and medical care, it is essential, that the new
information
empower
is
European citizens to play an active role in managing
their health, and to improve overall quality of health
care while at the same time ensuring equity in health
information.

technology

harnessed

systems

to

(11) In the execution of the programme, full use should be
made of
the results generated from the Community
research programmes, which support research in areas
covered by the programme.

(32) In the execution of the programme, full use should be
made of
the results generated from the Community
research programmes, which support research in areas
covered by the programme. A breakdown by gender
should be made of all relevant statistics.

(33) In the implementation of

the programme, all relevant
legal provisions in the field of data protection must be
respected.

(12) The programme should last six years in order to allow
time to implement measures to achieve its

sufficient
objectives.

(34) The programme should last six years in order to allow
time to implement measures to achieve its

sufficient
objectives.

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(13) It

is

that

essential

the Commission should ensure
implementation of the programme in close co-operation
in order to obtain
with the Member States. Moreover,
scientific
the Commission
advice,
should cooperate with high-level committees of scientific
experts.

information and

(35) It

is

that

essential

the Commission should ensure
implementation of the programme in close co-operation
In order to obtain scientific
with the Member States.
information and advice to implement
the programme,
co-operation with high-level committees of scientists and
experts of international standing is desirable.

(36) In order to increase efficiency, consultation with NGOs

will be organised through health fora.

to

actions

(14) Consistency and complementarity should be ensured
between
the
be
programme and those envisaged or implemented under
other policies and activities, in particular in the light of
the requirement to ensure a high level of human health
protection in the definition and implementation of all
Community policies and activities.

implemented

under

to

actions

(37) Consistency and complementarity should be ensured
between
the
be
programme and those envisaged or implemented under
other policies and activities, in particular in the light of
the requirement to ensure a high level of human health
protection in the definition and implementation of all
Community policies and activities.

implemented

under

a

financial

(15) This Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the
framework constituting the
programme,
principal point of
reference, within the meaning of
point 33 of the interinstitutional agreement of 6 May
1999 between the European Parliament, the Council and
and
the
the
improvement of
budgetary
budgetary
procedure.

budgetary
the budgetary procedure (1),
the

Commission

discipline

authority

annual

during

for

on

a

financial

(38) This Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the
framework constituting the
programme,
principal point of
reference, within the meaning of
point 33 of the interinstitutional agreement of 6 May
1999 between the European Parliament, the Council and
and
the
improvement of
the
budgetary
budgetary
procedure.

budgetary
the budgetary procedure (1),
the

Commission

discipline

authority

annual

during

for

on

(39) The programme creates the necessary transparency for the
Community’s activities in the health sector and ensures
the necessary flexibility to set priorities in the light of
funds
events. This will allow the limited amount of
available to be used sensibly and in a targeted manner.

(40) Practical actions are essential

to attain the
in order
objectives of
the programme. Consequently, when
implementing the programme and earmarking resources
under it, the importance of practical actions has to be
emphasised.

(16) It is essential that there should be flexibility to allow
re-deployment of resources and adaptation of activities
while respecting the criteria for selecting and ordering
priorities according to magnitude of risk or potential of
effect, public concerns, availability of
interventions or
potential for their development, subsidiarity, added value
and impact on other sectors.

(41) It is essential that there should be flexibility to allow
re-deployment of resources and adaptation of activities
while respecting the criteria for selecting and ordering
priorities according to magnitude of risk or potential of
effect, the outcome of evaluations, public concerns, avail-
ability of interventions or potential for their development,
subsidiarity, added value and impact on other sectors.

___________
(1) OJ C 172, 18.6.1999, p. 1.

___________
(1) OJ C 172, 18.6.1999, p. 1.

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(17) In accordance with Article 2 of Council Decision
1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the
implementing powers
procedures
conferred on the Commission (1), measures
the
implementation of
this decision should be adopted by
use of the advisory procedure provided for in Article 3
of that Decision.

the exercise of

for

for

in

(42) The implementing measures for this Decision should be
adopted
Decision
accordance with
1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the
procedures
implementing powers
the exercise of
conferred on the Commission (1).

Council

for

(18) The Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA
Agreement) provides for greater co-operation in the field
of public health between the European Community and
its Member States, on the one hand, and the countries of
the European Free Trade Association participating in the
European Economic Area (EFTA/EEA countries), on the
other. Provision should also be made to open the
programme to participation of
the associated Central
and Eastern European countries in accordance with the
conditions established in the Europe Agreements, in their
additional protocols and in the decisions of the respective
funded by additional
Association Councils, of Cyprus,
appropriations in accordance with the procedures to be
agreed with that country, as well as of Malta and Turkey,
funded by additional appropriations, in accordance with
the provisions of the Treaty.

(19) Co-operation with third countries and the competent
sphere of health

in the

international organisations
should be fostered.

(43) The Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA
Agreement) provides for greater co-operation in the field
of public health between the European Community and
its Member States, on the one hand, and the countries of
the European Free Trade Association participating in the
European Economic Area (EFTA/EEA countries), on the
other. Provision should also be made to open the
programme to participation of
the associated Central
and Eastern European countries in accordance with the
conditions established in the Europe Agreements, in their
additional protocols and in the decisions of the respective
funded by additional
Association Councils, of Cyprus,
appropriations in accordance with the procedures to be
agreed with that country, as well as of Malta and Turkey,
funded by additional appropriations, in accordance with
the provisions of the Treaty. It will be necessary to involve
and
the
implementation of the programme and also to devise a
strategic approach to health in those countries, which are
affected by specific problems.

development

candidate

countries

in the

(44) Co-operation with third countries and the competent
international organisations in the sphere of health, such
as WHO and OECD should be fostered, not only in the
field of collecting and analysing data, but also in the field
of
intersectoral health promotion. Particular attention
shall be paid to co-operation with WHO in order to
ensure cost-effectiveness, avoid overlapping of activities
and programmes and foster synergy and interaction.

(45) Close co-operation and consultation should be fostered
with Community bodies responsible for risk assessment,
monitoring and research in the fields of food and feed
safety, environmental protection and product safety.

(20) In order

to increase the value and impact of

the
programme there should be monitoring and evaluation
of the measures taken. It should be possible to adjust or
modify the programme in the light of these evaluations
and of developments that may take place in the general
context of Community action in health and health-related
fields.

(46) In order

to increase the value and impact of

the
programme there should be regular monitoring and
evaluation of the measures taken. It should be possible
to adjust or modify the programme in the light of these
evaluations and of developments that may take place in
the general context of Community action in health and
health-related fields. The European Parliament will receive
for information the annual work plans which will be
elaborated by the Commission.

___________
(1) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

___________
(1) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

the previous framework in order

(21) The programme of Community action in the field of
public health builds on the activities and the programmes
to ensure a
under
and
smooth
expanding on their actions. The decisions concerning
those programmes should therefore be repealed with
effect from the date of entry into force of this Decision,

therefrom, while

transition

adapting

(47) In order to improve the evaluation of the measures and
actions under the programme and draw conclusions, the
to independent external
programme should be subject
evaluations.

(48) The programme of Community action in the field of
public health builds on the activities and the programmes
under the previous framework, and on the network for
epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable
diseases in the Community in order to ensure a smooth
transition therefrom, while adapting and expanding on
their actions. The decisions concerning those programmes
should therefore be repealed with effect from the date of
entry into force of this Decision,

HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Unchanged

Article 1

Establishment of the programme

1.
This decision establishes a programme of Community
action in the field of public health, hereinafter referred to as
(cid:145)the programme(cid:146).

2.
The programme shall be implemented in the period
starting on 1 January 2001 and ending on 31 December 2006.

2.
The programme shall be implemented in the period
starting on 1 January [n] and ending on 31 December [n + 5].

Article 2

Unchanged

Overall aim and general objectives

1.
The programme shall aim to make a contribution towards
the attainment of a high level of health protection by directing
action towards improving public health, preventing human
illness and diseases, and obviating sources of danger to health.

The programme, which shall

1.
complement national
policies, shall aim to contribute towards the attainment of a
high level of physical and mental health and well-being and
greater equity in health matters throughout the Community, by
directing action towards improving public health, combating
human
morbidity
diseases and disorders, and obviating sources of danger to
health, while taking gender and age into consideration. The
programme shall support the development of an integrated
health strategy to ensure that Community policies and activities
contribute to health protection and promotion.

and premature mortality, preventing

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

The programme

2.
objectives:

shall have

the

following

general

Unchanged

(a) To improve information and knowledge for the devel-
opment of public health and the strengthening and main-
tenance of effective health interventions and efficient health
systems, by developing and operating a well-structured and
comprehensive system for collecting, analysing, evaluating
and imparting health information and knowledge
to
competent authorities, health professionals and the public,
and by undertaking assessments of and reporting on health
status and health-related policies, systems and measures;

efficient

in order
health

(a) To improve information and knowledge for the devel-
to optimise health
opment of public health,
conduct
systems,
strengthen
status,
to
effective health interventions and develop methods
tackle health inequalities. This
should be done by
developing and operating a well-structured and compre-
hensive
analysing,
evaluating and imparting comparable and compatible
health information and knowledge to all key partners and
actors, by ensuring a dialogue with them, by incorporating
their expertise in the development of an efficient and trans-
parent Community knowledge-base on health, and by
undertaking assessments of and reporting on health status
and health-related policies, systems and measures;

collecting, monitoring,

system for

(b) To enhance the capability of responding rapidly and in a
co-ordinated fashion to threats to health by the devel-
opment,
strengthening and assistance to the capacity,
operation and inter-linking of surveillance, early warning
and rapid reaction mechanisms covering health hazards;

Unchanged

(c) To address health determinants through health promotion
and disease prevention measures, through support to and
the development of broad health promotion activities and
disease prevention actions and specific risk reduction and
elimination instruments.

development

(c) To address health determinants through health promotion
and disease prevention measures, through support to and
the
health
broad
promotion activities and disease prevention actions, such
as immunisation campaigns, and specific risk reduction
and elimination instruments, and by means of measures
to achieve equity in health.

interdisciplinary

of

3.

The programme shall therefore assist in:

(cid:151) promoting an integrated strategy in the field of public
health, through the development of intersectoral policy in
the definition and implementation of all Community
policies and activities to ensure a high level of human
health protection and promotion,

(cid:151) tackling health inequalities between and within Member

States,

(cid:151) encouraging co-operation between the Member States on

matters covered by Article 152 of the Treaty.

Article 3

Community actions

Unchanged

1.
The general objectives of the programme as set out in
Article 2 shall be pursued by means of the following groups of
actions, the objectives and operational content of which are
described in the Annex:

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(a) Improving health information, by:

(cid:151) developing and operating a health monitoring system;

(cid:151) developing and operating health monitoring and
surveillance systems which would incorporate the
work of existing Community networks in the field of
public health, including the epidemiological surveillance
network;

(cid:151) developing and using mechanisms for analysis, advice,
information and consultation on health

reporting,
issues.

(cid:151) developing and using mechanisms for analysis, advice,
reporting, information and consultation on health issues
in accordance with best practice, in order to identify the
most appropriate public health strategies.

(cid:151) promoting the right of people to be informed about
their illnesses, treatments and ways of improving the
quality of their lives;

(cid:151) promoting an integrated health strategy through the
development of
intersectoral policy by developing
links between the public health framework and other
for
policies as well as criteria and methodologies
assessing policies for their impact on health.

(b) Responding rapidly to health threats, by:

Unchanged

(cid:151) enhancing
diseases;

the

capacity

to tackle

communicable

(cid:151) enhancing

the

capacity

diseases, notably by
programmes;

to tackle
recommending

communicable
immunisation

(cid:151) strengthening the capacity to tackle other health threats.

(cid:151) strengthening the capacity to tackle gender-specific and

other health threats.

(c) Addressing health determinants, by:

Unchanged

(cid:151) developing strategies and measures on lifestyle-related

health determinants;

(cid:151) developing strategies and measures on socio-economic

(cid:151) developing strategies and measures on social and

health determinants;

economic health determinants;

(cid:151) developing strategies and measures on health deter-

Unchanged

minants related to the environment.

2.
The actions set out in paragraph 1 shall be implemented
through the following types of measures, which may, where
appropriate, be combined and involve the countries referred to
in Article 9:

2.
The actions set out in paragraph 1 shall be implemented
through the following types of measures, which may, where
appropriate, be combined and involve the countries referred to
in Article 11:

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(a) Support

for

the preparation of Community legislative
instruments and for co-operation on the position of the
Community and its Member States in fora in which health-
related matters are discussed.

Unchanged

(b) Support for the development of the statistical part of health
information in the context of the Community Statistical
Programme and for the preparation and dissemination of
reports and communications on the situation on specific
health topics in all Member States as well as reviews and
advice on issues of interest to the Community and to all
Member States.

(b) Support for the development of the statistical part of health
information in the context of the Community Statistical
including data collection broken down by
Programme,
income,
gender, age, geographical
and for the preparation and dissemination of reports and
communications on the situation on specific health topics
in all Member States as well as reviews and advice on issues
of interest to the Community and to all Member States.

location and level of

(c) Development of, and support for information and consul-
tation on health and health-related matters at Community
level,
involving representative organisations of patients,
health professionals and other stakeholders.

(c) Development of, and support for information and consul-
tation on health and health-related matters at Community
level, such as appropriate consensus conferences and fora,
involving representative organisations of patients, health
professionals, NGOs
in the field of health, healthcare
trade unions, social partners and other stake-
industry,
holders. Such conferences and fora should be flexible to
reflect the health area under discussion at a particular time.

(d) Support for and promotion of activities by the Community
and the Member States to define and determine good
practice, sound guidelines for health and quality guidelines
and minimum standards based on scientific data.

(d) Support for the mobilisation of resources to counter health
threats and react to unforeseen events, undertake investi-
gations, and co-ordinate responses at Community and
Member State level.

(e) Support for the mobilisation of resources to counter health
threats and react to unforeseen events, undertake investi-
gations, and co-ordinate responses at Community and
Member State level.

(e) Support for the sharing of experience and exchange of
information between the Community and authorities and
competent organisations in the Member States, and for
building capacity to plan for, and respond to health
threats and provide appropriate training.

(f) Support for the sharing of experience and exchange of
information between the Community and authorities and
competent organisations in the Member States, and for
building capacity to plan for, and respond to health
threats and provide appropriate training.

(f) Promotion of

the availability and, where appropriate,
provision of information by the Community and authorities
and competent organisations in the Member States,
to
health professionals and to the public.

(g) Promotion of

the availability and, where appropriate,
provision of information by the Community and authorities
and competent organisations in the Member States,
to
health professionals and to the public.

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(g) Support for the development and implementation by the
Community and the Member States of disease prevention
and health promotion activities involving, as appropriate,
non-governmental organisations, and to innovative or pilot
projects of value to all Member States.

(h) Support for the development and implementation by the
Community and the Member States of disease prevention
and health promotion activities involving, as appropriate,
non-governmental organisations and social partners, and to
innovative or pilot projects of value to all Member States
with a particular focus on major health burdens.

(i) Encouraging education and vocational training in the field

of public health.

(j) Support for obtaining scientific information and advice to
achieve the objectives of the programme with the use of
high-level scientists and experts.

Article 4

Joint actions

Unchanged

As part of the effort to ensure a high level of health protection
in the definition and implementation of all Community policies
and activities, the measures of the programme may be imple-
mented as joint actions with related Community programmes
and actions, notably in the areas of consumer protection, social
protection, research and technological development, telematic
interchange of data between administrations (IDA), statistics,
education and environment, and with actions undertaken by
the Joint Research Centre and Community agencies.

As part of the effort to ensure a high level of health protection
in the definition and implementation of all Community policies
and activities, the actions and the measures of the programme
may need to be implemented as joint actions with related
Community programmes and actions, notably in the areas of
consumer protection, social protection, health and safety at
industry, economic and social
work,
cohesion, research and technological development,
telematic
interchange of data between administrations (IDA), statistics,
information
(e.g.
(cid:145)e-Europe(cid:146)), education and environment, and with actions
undertaken by the Joint Research Centre and Community
agencies, such as the European Environment Agency.

transport, agriculture,

information

technology

society

and

Article 5

Comparability, compatibility and interoperability

The implementation of the actions and measures developed
within the programme should ensure the comparability of
the data and information, where possible, and the compatibility
and interoperability of
the
exchange of data and information on health.

the systems and networks for

Article 5

Implementation

Article 6

Implementation of the programme and co-operation with
the Member States

The Commission shall ensure the implementation of the
1.
actions set out in Article 3. To this end,
in
accordance with Article 8(2), measures concerning the annual
plan of work and for monitoring.

it shall adopt,

1.
The Commission shall ensure the implementation of the
Community actions set out in Article 3 in close co-operation
with the Member States. To this end,
in
accordance with Article 10, measures concerning the annual
plan of work and for monitoring.

it shall adopt,

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

ensure

The Commission shall

2.
through appropriate
structural arrangements, with which the Member States are
co-ordination and integration of
closely associated,
networks for health monitoring and rapid reaction to health
threats.

the

The Member States shall

take appropriate action to
2.
secure, nationally,
the co-ordination, organisation and the
follow-up needed for the attainment of the objectives of the
programme,
involving all the parties concerned with public
legislation and practice.
health in accordance with national
They shall endeavour to take the necessary steps to ensure
the efficient running of the programme.

The Member States shall

take appropriate action to
3.
secure, nationally,
the co-ordination, organisation and the
follow-up needed for the attainment of the objectives of the
programme,
involving all the parties concerned with public
legislation and practice.
health in accordance with national
They shall endeavour to take the necessary steps to ensure
the efficient running of the programme.

The Commission and Member States shall take appropriate
action to develop mechanisms established at Community and
national level to achieve the objectives of the programme. They
shall ensure that appropriate information is provided about
the widest
actions supported by the programme and that
requiring
in actions
possible participation is obtained
implementation through local and regional authorities and
non-governmental organisations.

The Commission and Member States shall take appropriate
action to develop mechanisms established at Community and
national level to achieve the objectives of the programme. They
shall ensure that appropriate information is provided about
the widest
actions supported by the programme and that
requiring
in actions
possible participation is obtained
implementation through local and regional authorities and
non-governmental organisations.

shall

ensure

The Commission,

in co-operation with the Member
3.
States,
actions
developed within the public health programmes referred to
in Article 12 and those to be implemented under
the
programme.

transition between the

the

shall

ensure

The Commission,

in co-operation with the Member
4.
States,
actions
developed within the public health programmes referred to
in Article 15 and those to be implemented under
the
programme.

transition between the

the

Article 6

Article 7

Consistency and complementarity

Unchanged

The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and
complementarity between the actions
to be implemented
under the programme and those implemented under other
Community
the
Commission shall identify those proposals of relevance to the
objectives and actions of the programme and shall inform the
committee referred to in Article 8(1).

particular,

activities.

policies

and

In

The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and
complementarity between the actions
to be implemented
under the programme and those implemented under other
Community
the
Commission shall identify those proposals of relevance to the
objectives and actions of the programme and shall inform the
committee referred to in Article 9.

particular,

activities.

policies

and

In

Article 7

Funding

Article 8

Unchanged

1.
The financial framework for the implementation of the
programme for the period referred to in Article 1 is hereby set
at EUR 300 million.

The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the
financial

authority within the

limits of

the

2.
budgetary
perspectives.

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

Article 8

Committee

Article 9

Unchanged

The Commission shall be assisted by a committee
the Member States and

1.
representatives of
composed of
chaired by the representative of the Commission.

The Commission shall be assisted by a committee
1.
the Member States and
composed of
chaired by the representative of the Commission, hereinafter
designated (cid:145)the Committee(cid:146).

representatives of

reference

is made

the
2. Where
management procedure laid down in Article 4 of Decision
1999/468/EC shall apply, subject to the provisions of Article
7 and Article 8 thereof. The period provided for by Article 4(3)
of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be two months.

to this paragraph,

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, the advisory
procedure laid down in Article 3 of Decision 1999/468/EC
in compliance with Article 7(3) and Article 8
shall apply,
thereof.

3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, the advisory
procedure laid down in Article 3 of Decision 1999/468/EC
shall apply, in compliance with Article 7 and Article 8 thereof.

4.

The Committee shall draw up its rules of procedure.

Article 10

Implementation measures

1.
The measures necessary for the implementation of this
Decision relating to the matters referred to below shall be
adopted in accordance with the management procedure
referred to in Article 9, paragraph 2;

(a) the annual plan of work for the implementation of the
to be

programme,
setting out priorities and actions
undertaken, indicating the allocation of resources;

(b) the arrangements, criteria and procedures for selecting the

actions of the programme;

(c) the arrangements for implementing the joint strategies and

actions referred to in Article 4;

(d) the arrangements for evaluating the programme referred to

in Article 14.

The necessary measures for the implementation of this
2.
Decision as
shall be adopted in
accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article
9, paragraph 3.

regards other matters

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

Article 9

AMENDED PROPOSAL

Article 11

Participation of the EFTA/EEA countries, the associated
Central and Eastern European countries, Cyprus, Malta
and Turkey

Unchanged

The programme shall be open to the participation of:

(a) The EFTA/EEA countries in accordance with the conditions

established in the EEA Agreement.

(b) The associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe, in
accordance with the conditions laid down in the Europe
Agreements,
in their Additional Protocols and in the
Decisions of the respective Association Councils;

(b) The associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe, in
accordance with the conditions laid down in the Europe
Agreements,
in their Additional Protocols and in the
Decisions of the respective Association Councils.

(c) Cyprus, funded by additional appropriations in accordance

Unchanged

with the procedures to be agreed with that country.

(d) Malta and Turkey, funded by additional appropriations in

accordance with the provisions of the Treaty.

Article 10

Article 12

International co-operation

Unchanged

In the course of implementing the programme, co-operation
with third countries and with international organisations
competent in the sphere of public health,
in particular the
World Health Organisation, the Council of Europe and the
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development,
shall be fostered.

In the course of implementing the programme, co-operation
with third countries and with international organisations
competent in the sphere of public health,
in particular the
World Health Organisation, the Council of Europe and the
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development,
and with other international organisations, such as the Food
and Agriculture Organisation and the World Trade Organi-
sation shall be fostered.

Article 13

Co-operation with relevant Community bodies

Co-operation shall be fostered with Community bodies in
relevant areas of work, especially with those bodies responsible
for food and feed safety, environmental protection and product
safety.

Article 11

Article 14

Monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of results

Unchanged

The Commission shall

identify performance indicators,
1.
independent
monitor achievement of results, and carry out
evaluations
(mid-term evaluation) and
during the last year (ex-post evaluation) of the programme.
The evaluations shall particularly assess the impact achieved
and the efficiency of the use of resources.

in the third year

The Commission shall

identify performance indicators
1.
and shall,
in close co-operation with the Member States,
regularly monitor, where appropriate with the support of
experts, the implementation of the actions of the programme
in the light of the objectives, and shall report regularly to the
Committee.

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

the

cover

impact of

evaluation shall

2.
The Commission shall undertake a mid-term evaluation
of the programme in the fourth year, involving independent
the
experts. The
programme and the efficiency of
the use of resources, as
well as the consistency and complementarity with relevant
programmes, actions and initiatives implemented under other
Community policies and activities. At
the
reports on the
Commission, Member States
the programme. The
implementation and the impact of
the
Commission shall
evaluation to the European Parliament,
the
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the
Regions. The Commission shall also submit to the European
Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee
the Regions a final report on the
and the Committee of
implementation of
the
conclusion of the programme.

conclusions of
the Council,

the programme one year

the request of

communicate

submit

shall

after

the

The Commission shall make the results of actions

2.
undertaken and the evaluation reports publicly available.

The Commission shall make the results of actions

3.
undertaken and the evaluation reports publicly available.

Deleted

3.
The Commission shall submit a mid-term report to the
European Parliament and to the Council during the third year
and a final report upon completion of the programme. It shall
incorporate into these reports information on Community
financing within the framework of the programme and on
consistency
relevant
complementarity with
programmes, actions and initiatives, as well as the relevant
evaluation results. The reports shall also be submitted to the
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the
Regions.

other

and

Article 12

Repeal

Article 15

Unchanged

The following decisions are hereby repealed:

Decision No 645/96/EC,

Decision No 646/96/EC,

Decision No 647/96/EC,

Decision No 102/97/EC,

Decision No 1400/97/EC,

Decision No 372/1999/EC,

Decision No 1295/1999/EC,

Decision No 1296/1999/EC.

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

Article 13

AMENDED PROPOSAL

Article 16

Entry into force

Unchanged

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publi-
cation in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

ANNEX

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS

1.

Improving health information and knowledge

Unchanged

1.1. Developing and operating a health monitoring system

1st Objective: To establish Community indicators for health status,
diseases and health determinants, methods for the collection of
data for monitoring and analysis, and create corresponding
databases

1st Objective: To establish quantitative and qualitative Community
indicators for health status, diseases and health determinants,
methods for the collection of data for monitoring and analysis,
and create corresponding databases that are age and gender-
specific

1. Complete the framework for the stepwise establishment of
health indicators fully covering health status, diseases, health
resources and interventions, and health determinants, and
collect relevant data using methods to be agreed;

1. Complete the framework for the stepwise establishment of
gender-specific health indicators fully covering health status,
diseases, health resources and interventions, and health deter-
minants, and collect relevant data using methods to be agreed;

2. Implement the framework for establishing indicators, collecting
data and integrating it in databases, and develop versions of the
databases for use by health professionals and the public.

Unchanged

The statistical element of this work will be developed as part of
the Community Statistical Programme.

2nd Objective: To improve the system for the transfer and sharing
of health data

1. Review and improve the system linking the Commission and
Member State health administrations via the Internet and other
means in order to transfer and share Community indicators and
data;

1. Review and improve the system linking the Commission and
Member State health administrations via the Internet and other
interoperating means and systems in order to transfer and
share Community indicators and data;

2. Make the health data collected in the information system
available on Commission and Member States’ Web sites and
regularly update it,
for access by administrations, health
professionals and the public.

Unchanged

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1.2. Developing and using mechanisms

for analysis, advice,

reporting,

information and consultation on health issues

1st Objective: Developing mechanisms for analysis and advice on
health issues

1. Develop and operate a Community network

1. Develop and operate a Community network or Community

networks:

to undertake analysis and the preparation of reports on health
status and on the impact of health determinants and policies,
identify risk factors and gaps in knowledge and forecast trends
for use in policy formulation, priority setting and resource
allocation;

(a) to undertake analysis and the preparation of reports on
health status and on the impact of health determinants
and policies including disease prevention and treatment,
identify risk factors and gaps in knowledge and forecast
trends for use in policy formulation, priority setting and
resource allocation;

2. Develop and operate a Community network to monitor and
undertake analysis and provide advice on health technologies;

(b) to monitor and undertake analysis and provide advice on

health technologies;

(c) to monitor and undertake analysis and provide advice on
clinical guidelines and quality and good practice in health
interventions,
including recommendations for preventive
measures;

(d) to monitor and undertake analysis on networks linking

health service providers;

3. Develop and

operate

benchmarking mechanism for
Community strategies and national policies and activities on
disease prevention, health promotion and health protection,
with appropriate parameters and data sets;

a

2. Develop and

operate

benchmarking mechanism for
Community strategies and national policies and activities on
disease prevention, health promotion and health protection,
with appropriate parameters and data sets;

a

4. Develop and operate a Community network to monitor,
undertake analysis and provide advice on clinical guidelines
and quality and good practice in health care interventions.

Deleted

3. Develop and operate a joint action with the plans drawn up
under (cid:145)e-Europe(cid:146) to improve information on medicines available
to the general public on the internet, reviewing sources of
medical
information available and examining the possibilities
for establishing a system of recognisable Community seals of
approval to designate sites as trustworthy.

2nd Objective: Reporting on health issues

Unchanged

1. Report on Community health status and identify trends giving
rise to concern; report on the impact of selected activities,
policies and measures and health determinants;

2. Present reviews, advice and guidelines on health technologies,

2. Present reviews, advice and guidelines on health technologies,

health interventions and quality and good practice.

health interventions and quality and best practice.

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AMENDED PROPOSAL

3rd Objective: Consultation and information and dissemination of
reports, advice and recommendations

Unchanged

1. Make available reports, reviews, advice and guidelines referred
to in section 1.2 of this Annex on Commission and Member
States’ Web sites and through other appropriate means;

2. Develop and use mechanisms for informing and consulting
representative organisations of patients, health professionals
and other
at
Community level;

about health-related matters

stakeholders

3. Identify key information about health and health services,
including issues related to access and entitlements, and make
it available, as appropriate, notably to people moving from one
Member State to another.

4th Objective: Contributing to achieving an integrated health
strategy

1. Identify and review opportunities

joint actions with
Community programmes and agencies to develop intersectoral
approaches tackling major factors influencing health;

for

2. Support the development of health impact assessment metho-

dologies and other relevant tools;

3. Support pilot projects on the health impact of Community

policies and actions.

2. Responding rapidly to health threats

Unchanged

2.1. Enhancing the capacity to tackle communicable diseases

1st Objective: Support
the further implementation of Decision
2119/98/EC on the Community network on the epidemiological
surveillance and control of communicable diseases

the further
Incorporate the work and support
1st Objective:
implementation of Decision 2119/98/EC on the Community
network on the epidemiological
surveillance and control of
communicable diseases in order to take actions against diseases,
including preventable diseases

1. Develop:

Unchanged

(a) case definitions, epidemiological and surveillance methods,
technical means and procedures, and define nature and type
collected and transmitted concerning
of data
prioritised diseases or special issues;

to be

(a) case definitions, epidemiological and surveillance methods,
technical means and procedures, and define nature and type
collected and transmitted concerning
of data
prioritised diseases (e.g. AIDS) or special issues;

to be

(b) procedures for the information, consultation and co-ordi-
nation between Member States,
for the prevention and
control of communicable diseases, including provisions for
a Community incident investigation team;

(b) procedures for the information, consultation and co-ordi-
nation between Member States and with the candidate
countries, for the prevention and control of communicable
diseases,
including provisions for a Community incident
investigation team;

(c) guidelines on the protective measures to be taken,

in
particular at external frontiers and in emergency situations;
links with applicant countries and other third countries;

(c) guidelines on the protective measures to be taken,

in
particular at external frontiers and in emergency situations
including epidemics or pandemics of preventable diseases;
links with candidate countries and other third countries;

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2. Assemble surveillance data and network inventories held in

existing databases;

2. Assemble and analyse surveillance data and network inventories
held in existing databases and organisations in order to identify
the most appropriate public health strategies;

3. Underpin the network operation in particular in relation to
training, continuous assessment and

common investigations,
quality assurance.

Unchanged

2nd Objective: To enhance the safety and quality of human blood

1. Complete and implement the framework on high standards of
quality and safety for the collection, processing, storage and
distribution and use of whole blood, blood components, and
blood precursors;

2. Develop and operate a haemovigilance network and prepare

guidelines on the optimum use of blood.

3rd Objective: To enhance the safety and quality of organs and
substances of human origin

1. Develop and implement a Community strategy on organs and

substances of human origin;

2. Develop and operate a Community network on organs and

substances of human origin.

4th Objective: To draw a Community vaccination strategy

2.2. Strengthening the capacity to tackle other health threats

Unchanged

1st Objective: To develop strategies and mechanisms for responding
to non-communicable disease threats

Review and develop strategies on responses to non-communicable
disease threats, including, if appropriate, developing a Community
network with links to existing surveillance, notification and alert
mechanisms;

2nd Objective: To promote the formulation of guidelines and
measures on electromagnetic fields and other physical agents

Review and further develop guidelines and advice on protective
and preventive measures on exposure to:

1. electromagnetic fields;

2. other physical agents, such as optical and ultra-violet radiation,

laser radiation, pressure, noise and vibration.

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AMENDED PROPOSAL

3. Addressing health determinants

3.1. Developing strategies and measures on lifestyle-related health deter-

minants

Objective: To develop and implement, in close co-operation with
the Member States, strategies and measures on life-style related
health determinants supporting, in particular, their integration in
overall health promotion and disease prevention policies

Further develop and implement Community strategies, including
benchmarking and analysis of policies and measures, preparation
of reports and guidelines, setting up networks,
identification of
scope and objectives of further Community action, and prepare
Community instruments on lifestyle-related health determinants.

3.2. Developing strategies and measures on socio-economic health deter-

3.2. Developing strategies and measures on social and economic health deter-

minants

minants

Objective: To contribute to the formulation and implementation of
strategies and measures on socio-economic determinants

Objective: To contribute to the formulation and implementation of
strategies and measures on social and economic determinants

1. Develop a methodology

for benchmarking

and linking
strategies to identify health inequalities using data from the
Community health information system, and,
if appropriate,
develop Community instruments relating to health services
and insurance arrangements and to the impact on them of
Community policies and activities. Actions will also cover
questions related to consumption, cost-effectiveness and expen-
diture on medicinal products;

Unchanged

2. Review and identify obstacles to access to health services across
internal borders in the Community and, if appropriate, develop
guidelines.

2. Review and identify obstacles to access to health services across
internal borders in the Community and, if appropriate, develop
guidelines;

3. Develop a strategy for analysing and assessing the impact of
social and economic factors (such as working and housing
conditions) on health;

4. Define and disseminate good practice on actions and policies
related to social and economic determinants of health and
reducing inequalities.

3.3. Develop strategies and measures on health determinants related to the

Unchanged

environment

Objective: To contribute to the formulation and implementation of
strategies and measures on health determinants related to the
environment

1. Contribute to the further development and implementation of
guidelines and recommendations issued by the European Minis-
terial Environmental Health Conference and to the monitoring
of effectiveness of national strategies and measures;

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2. Identify and prepare reports on good practice in monitoring,
early warning systems and measures on pollutants and
associated diseases, and, if appropriate, prepare guidelines.

2. Identify and prepare reports on good practice in monitoring,
early warning systems and measures on pollutants and
associated diseases, and, if appropriate, prepare guidelines;

3. Promote the drawing up of guidelines and measures relating to
the various forms of environmental pollution which have an
impact on health. Analyse and develop information, prevention
forms of pollution
and protection measures to combat all
(noise, chemical, food, etc.) which affect the environment and
human health;

4. Develop strategies for reducing antibiotic resistance.

4. Carrying out the actions

Unchanged

1. The actions to be taken may be funded by service contracts
following calls for tender or by subsidies for joint financing
with other sources.
financial
In the latter case,
assistance by the Commission may not exceed, as a general
rule, 50 % of the expenditure actually incurred by the recipient.

the level of

1. The actions to be taken may be funded by service contracts
following calls for tender or by subsidies for joint financing
with other sources.
financial
In the latter case,
assistance by the Commission may not exceed, as a general
rule, 70 % of the expenditure actually incurred by the recipient.

the level of

2. In carrying out the programme, the Commission may require
additional
to experts. These
including recourse
requirements will be decided in the context of the Commission’s
ongoing assessment of resource allocation.

resources,

Unchanged

3. The Commission may also undertake information, publication
and dissemination actions.
It may also undertake evaluation
studies and organise seminars, colloquia or other meetings of
experts.

4. The Commission will prepare annual work plans setting out the
priorities and actions to be undertaken. Moreover, it will also
specify the arrangements and criteria to be applied in selecting
and financing actions under this programme. In so doing, it will
seek the opinion of the Committee mentioned in Article 8.

4. The Commission will prepare annual work plans setting out the
priorities and actions to be undertaken. Moreover, it will also
specify the arrangements and criteria to be applied in selecting
and financing actions under this programme. In so doing, it will
seek the opinion of the Committee mentioned in Article 9.

5. Actions undertaken will

fully respect

the principles of data

Unchanged

protection.