Common Position (EC) No 5/2007 of 22 March 2007 adopted by the Council, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, with a view to the adoption of a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a second programme of Community action in the field of health (2007-2013) Text with EEA relevance
Date: 2007-03-22
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: EU programme, action programme, consumer protection, health policy, public health

8.5.2007

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COMMON POSITION (EC) No 5/2007

adopted by the Council on 22 March 2007

with a view to adopting Decision No …/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
of … establishing a second programme of Community action in the field of health (2007-2013)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 103 E/02)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EURO-
PEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Com-
munity, and in particular Article 152 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and
Social Committee (1),

Having regard to the opinion of
Regions (2),

the Committee of

the

(5)

Acting in accordance with the procedure
Article 251 of the Treaty (3),

laid down in

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

The Community can contribute to protecting the health
and safety of citizens through actions in the field of
public health. A high level of health protection should be
ensured in the definition and implementation of all Com-
munity policies and activities. Under Article 152 of the
Treaty, the Community is required to play an active role
by taking measures which cannot be taken by individual
Member States, in accordance with the principle of subsi-
diarity. The Community fully respects the responsibilities
of the Member States for the organisation and delivery of
health services and medical care.

The health sector is characterised on the one hand by its
considerable potential for growth, innovation and dyna-
mism, and on the other by the challenges it faces in
terms of financial and social sustainability and efficiency
of the health care systems due, among other things, to
ageing of the population and to medical advances.

(6)

The programme of Community action in the field of
public health (2003-2008), adopted by Decision No 1786/
the European Parliament
2002/EC of
the
Council (4), was
integrated Community
first
programme in this field, and it has already delivered a
number of important developments and improvements.

and of

the

(4)

Continued effort is required in order to meet the objec-
tives already established by the Community in the field of

(1) OJ C 88, 11.4.2006, p. 1.
(2) OJ C 192, 16.8.2006, p. 8.
(3) Opinion of the European Parliament of 16 March 2006 (OJ C 291 E,
30.11.2006, p. 372), Council Common Position of 22 March 2007
and Position of the European Parliament of … (not yet published in the
Official Journal).

(4) OJ L 271, 9.10.2002, p. 1. Decision as amended by Decision No

786/2004/EC (OJ L 138, 30.4.2004, p. 7).

public health. It is therefore appropriate to establish a
second programme of Community action on health
(2007-2013) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Programme’).

A number of serious cross-border health threats with a
possible world-wide dimension exist and new ones are
emerging which require further Community action. The
Community should treat
serious cross-border health
threats as a matter of priority. The Programme should
place
emphasis on strengthening the Community's
overall capacities by further developing cooperation
between the Member States. Monitoring, early warning
and action to combat serious threats to health are impor-
tant areas where an effective and coordinated response to
health threats should be promoted at Community level.
Action to ensure high-quality-diagnostic cooperation
between laboratories is essential in order to respond to
health threats. The Programme should encourage the
establishment of a system of Community reference
laboratories. However, such a system needs to be based
on a sound legal base.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO)
European Health report 2005,
in terms of Disability
Adjusted Life-Years (DALYs), the most important causes
of the burden of disease in the WHO European Region
are non-communicable diseases (NCDs — 77 % of the
total), external causes of injury and poisoning (14 %) and
communicable diseases (9 %). Seven leading conditions
— ischaemic heart disease, unipolar depressive disorders,
cerebrovascular disease, alcohol use disorders, chronic
pulmonary disease, lung cancer and road traffic injuries
— account for 34 % of the DALYs in the Region. Seven
leading risk factors — tobacco, alcohol, high blood pres-
sure, high cholesterol, overweight, low fruit and vegetable
inactivity — account for 60 % of
intake and physical
such as
DALYs.
HIV/AIDS,
influenza, tuberculosis and malaria are also
becoming a threat to the health of all people in Europe.
An important task of the Programme,
in cooperation,
where
appropriate, with the Community Statistical
Programme, should be to identify better the main health
burdens in the Community.

In addition, communicable diseases

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(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

Eight leading causes of mortality and morbidity from
NCDs in the WHO European Region are cardiovascular
diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders,
cancer, digestive
diseases,
sense organ disorders,
musculoskeletal diseases and diabetes mellitus.

respiratory diseases,

Microbial resistance to antibiotics and nosocomial infec-
tions are becoming a threat to health in Europe. Lack of
new effective antibiotics as well as the means to ensure
the proper use of existing antibiotics are major concerns.
Therefore it is important to collect and analyse relevant
data.

Strengthening the role of
the European Centre for
Disease Prevention and Control established by Regulation
(EC) No 851/2004 of the European Parliament and of
the Council (1) is important in the fight against commu-
nicable diseases.

The Programme should build on the achievements of the
previous Programme for Community action in the field
should contribute
of public health (2003-2008).
towards the attainment of a high level of physical and
mental health and greater equality in health matters
throughout the Community by directing actions towards
improving public health, preventing human diseases and
disorders, and obviating sources of danger to health with
a view to combating morbidity and premature mortality.

It

(13)

(14)

Special efforts should be undertaken to ensure coherence
and synergies between the Programme and the Commu-
nity's external actions, particularly in the areas of avian
influenza, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other cross-border
health threats. In addition, there should be international
cooperation in order to promote general health reform
and general health institutional issues in third countries.

Increasing Healthy Life Years (HLY), also called disability-
free life expectancy indicator, by preventing disease and
promoting policies that lead to a healthier way of life is
important for the well-being of EU citizens and helps to
meet the challenges of the Lisbon process as regards the
knowledge
sustainability of public
finances, which are under pressure from rising health
care and social security costs.

society and the

(15)

The enlargement of
the European Union has brought
additional concerns in terms of health inequalities within
the EU and this is likely to be accentuated by further
enlargements. This issue should, therefore, be one of the
priorities of the Programme.

(16)

The Programme should help to identify the causes of
health inequalities and encourage, among other things,
the exchange of best practice to tackle them.

(11)

The Programme should place emphasis on improving the
health condition and promoting a healthy lifestyle and a
culture of prevention among children and young people.

(17)

(12)

The Programme should support the mainstreaming of
health objectives in all Community policies and activities,
without duplicating work carried out under other Com-
munity policies. Coordination with other Community
policies and programmes is a key part of the objective of
In order
mainstreaming health in other policies.
to
promote synergies and avoid duplication,
joint actions
may be undertaken with related Community programmes
and actions and appropriate use should be made of other
Community
including the
current and future Community framework programmes
for research and their outcomes, the Structural Funds, the
European Solidarity Fund,
the European strategy for
health at work, the programme of Community action in
consumer policy (2007-2013) (2),
the
the
programme ‘Drugs prevention and information’,
the
programme ‘Fight against violence (Daphne)’ and the
Community Statistical Programme within their respective
activities.

and programmes,

field of

funds

(1) OJ L 142, 30.4.2004, p. 1.
(2) Decision No 1926/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the

Council (OJ L 404, 30.12.2006, p. 39).

is essential

It
systematically to collect, process and
analyse comparable data, within national constraints, for
an effective monitoring of
the state of health in the
European Union. This would enable the Commission and
the Member States to improve information to the public
and formulate appropriate strategies, policies and actions
to achieve a high level of human health protection.
Compatibility and interoperability of
the systems and
networks for exchanging information and data for the
development of public health should be pursued in the
actions and support measures. Gender, socio-economic
status and age are important health considerations. Data
collection should wherever possible build on existing
work, and proposals for new collections should be costed
and based on a clear need. The collection of data should
be in compliance with the relevant legal provisions on
the protection of personal data.

(18)

Best practice is important because health promotion and
prevention should be measured on the basis of efficiency
and effectiveness and not purely in economic terms. Best
practice and latest treatment methods for diseases and
injuries should be promoted in order to prevent further
deterioration of health, and European networks of
centres of reference for specific conditions should be
developed.

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(19) Action should be taken in order to prevent injuries by
collecting data, analysing injury determinants and disse-
minating relevant information.

(25)

(20) Health services

responsibility of
are primarily the
Member States but cooperation at Community level can
benefit both patients and health systems. Activities
funded by the Programme as well as new proposals
developed as a result of these should have due regard to
the Council Conclusions on common values and princi-
ples in European Union Health Systems (1) adopted in
June 2006 that endorse a statement on the common
values and principles of EU Health Systems and invite the
institutions of the European Union to respect them in
their work. The Programme should take due account of
future developments as regards Community action on
health services as well as the work of the High Level
Group on Health Services and Medical Care which
provides an important
forum for collaboration and
exchange of best practice between Member States' health
systems.

(21)

(22)

(23)

(24)

The Programme should contribute to the collection of
data, the promotion and development of methods and
tools, the establishment of networks and various kinds of
cooperation and the promotion of relevant policies on
patient mobility as well as on the mobility of health
professionals. It should facilitate the further development
of the European e-Health Area, through joint European
initiatives with other EU policy areas, including regional
policy, while contributing towards work on quality
criteria for health-related websites and towards a Euro-
pean health insurance card. Telemedicine should be taken
into account as telemedicine applications may contribute
to cross-border care while ensuring medical care at
home.

Environmental pollution is a serious risk to health and a
major source of concern for European citizens. Special
action should focus on children and other groups which
are particularly vulnerable to hazardous environmental
conditions. The Programme should complement
the
actions taken within the European Environment and
Health Action Plan 2004-2010.

The Programme
ageing-related health issues.

should address gender-related and

The precautionary principle and risk assessment are key
factors for the protection of human health and should
therefore be part of
integration into other
further
Community policies and activities.

(1) OJ C 146, 22.6.2006, p. 1.

This Decision establishes, for the entire duration of the
programme, a financial envelope which constitutes the
prime reference within the meaning of point 37 of the
Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between
the European Parliament, the Council and the Commis-
sion on budgetary discipline and sound financial manage-
ment (2), for the budgetary authority during the annual
budgetary procedure.

(26)

(27)

In order to ensure a high level of coordination between
actions and initiatives taken by the Community and
Member States in the implementation of the Programme,
it is necessary to promote cooperation between Member
States and to enhance the effectiveness of existing and
future networks in the field of public health. The partici-
pation of national, regional and local authorities at the
appropriate level in accordance with the national systems
should be taken into account in regard to the implemen-
tation of the Programme.

It is necessary to increase EU investment in health and
health-related projects.
In this regard, Member States
should be encouraged to identify health improvements as
a priority in their national programmes. Better awareness
about the possibilities of EU funding for health is needed.
Exchange of experience between the Member States on
funding health through the Structural Funds should be
encouraged.

(28) Non-governmental bodies and specialised networks can
also play an important role in meeting the objectives of
the Programme. In pursuing one or more objectives of
the Programme, they may require Community contribu-
tions to enable them to function. Hence, detailed elig-
ibility criteria, provisions regarding financial transparency
and the duration of Community contributions for non-
governmental bodies and specialised networks qualifying
for Community support should be set out in accordance
with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999
laying down the procedures for the exercise of imple-
menting powers conferred on the Commission (3). Such
criteria should include the obligations of such bodies and
networks in establishing clear objectives, action plans and
measurable
strong European
representing a
dimension and a real added value for the objectives of
the Programme. Given the particular nature of the orga-
nisations concerned and in cases of exceptional utility, it
should be possible for the renewal of Community support
to the functioning of
such bodies and specialised
networks to be exempted from the principle of gradual
decrease of the extent of Community support.

results

(29)

Implementation of the Programme should be carried out
in close cooperation with relevant organisations and
agencies,
in particular with the European Centre for
Disease Prevention and Control.

(2) OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.
(3) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision

2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).

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(30)

(31)

The measures necessary for the implementation of this
Decision should be adopted in accordance with Decision
1999/468/EC, respecting the need for transparency as
well as a reasonable balance between the different objec-
tives of the Programme.

The Agreement on the European Economic Area (herein-
after referred to as the EEA Agreement) provides for
cooperation in the field of 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 (hereinafter
referred to as the EFTA/EEA countries), on the other.
Provision should also be made to open the Programme
to participation by other countries,
in particular the
neighbouring countries of the Community and countries
that are applying for, are candidates for, or are acceding
taking particular
to, membership of
account of the potential for health threats arising in other
countries to have an impact within the Community.

the Community,

(32) Appropriate relations with third countries not partici-
pating in the Programme should be facilitated in order to
help achieve the objectives of
the Programme, taking
account of any relevant agreements between those coun-
tries and the Community. This may involve third coun-
tries taking forward complementary activities to those
financed through the Programme on areas of mutual
interest, but should not involve a financial contribution
under the Programme.

(33)

(34)

It is appropriate to develop cooperation with relevant
international organisations such as the United Nations
in particular the WHO, as
and its specialised agencies,
well as with the Council of Europe and the Organisation
for Economic Cooperation and Development, with a view
to implementing the Programme through maximising the
effectiveness and efficiency of actions relating to health at
Community and international level, taking into account
the particular capacities and roles of the different organi-
sations.

The successful
implementation of the objectives under
the Programme should be based on good coverage of the
issues included in the annual work plans, on selection of
appropriate actions and funding of projects, which all
have an inbuilt appropriate monitoring and evaluation
process in place, and on regular monitoring and evalua-
tion,
including independent external evaluations, which
should measure the impact of actions and demonstrate
the
their contribution to the overall objectives of
Programme. Programme evaluation should take into
account the fact that the achievement of the Programme
objectives may require a longer time period than the
duration of the Programme.

(35)

The annual work plans should cover the main foreseeable
activities to be funded from the Programme through all
including calls for
the different
tender.

funding mechanisms,

(36)

(37)

(38)

this Decision cannot be suffi-
Since the objectives of
ciently achieved by the Member States due to the trans-
national nature of the issues involved, and can therefore,
by reason of the potential for Community action to be
more efficient and effective than national action alone in
protecting the health and safety of citizens, be better
achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt
measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity
set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the
principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this
Decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order
to achieve those objectives.

inequalities,

In accordance with Article 2 of
the Treaty, which
provides that equality between men and women is a prin-
ciple of the Community, and in accordance with Article 3
(2) thereof, which provides that the Community shall aim
to eliminate
equality
between men and women in all Community activities
including the attainment of a high level of health protec-
tion, all objectives and actions covered by the Programme
contribute to promoting a better understanding and
recognition of men's and women's respective needs and
approaches to health.

and to promote

It
is appropriate to ensure a transition between the
Programme and the previous programme it replaces, in
particular
regarding the continuation of multiannual
arrangements for its management, such as the financing
of technical and administrative assistance. As of 1 January
2014, the technical and administrative assistance appro-
priations
the expenditure
related to the management of actions not yet completed
by the end of 2013.

should cover,

if necessary,

(39)

This Decision replaces Decision No 1786/2002/EC. That
Decision should therefore be repealed,

HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Establishment of the Programme

The second programme of ‘Community action in the field of
health (2007-2013)’ covering the period from … (*)
to 31
December 2013 (hereinafter referred to as the Programme) is
hereby established.

Article 2

Aim and objectives

1.
The Programme shall complement, support and add value
to the policies of the Member States and contribute to increased
solidarity and prosperity in the European Union by protecting
and promoting human health and safety and improving public
health.

(*) The date of entry into force of this Decision.

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The objectives to be pursued through the actions set out

2.
in the Annex shall be:

through a transparent procedure by the Member State or the
competent authority concerned and agreed by the Commission.

— to improve citizens' health security,

— to promote health,

— to generate and disseminate health information and knowl-

edge.

The actions referred to in the first subparagraph shall, where
appropriate, support
the prevention of major diseases and
contribute to reducing their incidence as well as the morbidity
and mortality caused by them.

Article 3

Funding

1.
the
The financial envelope for the implementation of
Programme for the period specified in Article 1 is hereby set at
EUR 365 600 000.

Annual

appropriations

2.
the
budgetary authority within the limits of the financial frame-
work.

authorised by

shall be

Article 4

Financial contributions

Financial contributions by the Community shall not

1.
exceed the following levels:

(a) 60 % of costs for an action intended to help achieve an
objective forming part of the Programme, except in cases of
exceptional utility, where the Community contribution shall
not exceed 80 %; and

(b) 60 % of costs for the functioning of a non-governmental
body or a specialised network, which is non-profit-making
and independent of industry, commercial and business or
other conflicting interests, has members in at least half of
the Member States, with a balanced geographical coverage,
and pursues as its primary goal one or more objectives of
the Programme, where such support is necessary to pursue
those objectives. In cases of exceptional utility, the Com-
munity contribution shall not exceed 80 %.

The renewal of financial contributions set out in para-
2.
graph 1(b)
and specialised
networks may be exempted from the principle of gradual
decrease.

to non-governmental bodies

3.
Financial contributions by the Community may, where
appropriate given the nature of the objective to be achieved,
include joint financing by the Community and one or more
Member States or by the Community and the competent autho-
rities of other participating countries. In this case, the Com-
munity contribution shall not exceed 50 %, except in cases of
exceptional utility, where the Community contribution shall not
exceed 70 %. These Community contributions may be awarded
to a public body or a non-profit-making body designated

4.
Financial contributions by the Community may also be
given in the form of a lump sum and flat-rate financing where
this is suited to the nature of the actions concerned. For such
financial contributions, the percentage limits stipulated in para-
graphs 1 and 3 shall not apply, although co-financing is still
required.

Article 5

Administrative and technical assistance

1.
The financial allocation of the Programme may also cover
expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit
and evaluation activities, required directly for the management
of the Programme and the realisation of its objectives, in par-
ticular studies, meetings,
information and publication actions,
expenses linked to informatic networks focusing on information
exchange, as well as all other technical and administrative assis-
tance expense that the Commission may have recourse to for
the management of the Programme.

2.
The financial allocation may also cover the technical and
administrative assistance expenses necessary to ensure the tran-
sition between the Programme and the measures adopted under
Decision No 1786/2002/EC. If necessary, appropriations could
be entered in the budget beyond 2013 to cover
similar
expenses, in order to enable the management of actions not yet
completed by 31 December 2013.

Article 6

Methods of implementation

Actions in pursuit of the aim and objectives set out in Article 2
shall make full use of appropriate available methods of imple-
mentation, including in particular:

(a) direct or indirect implementation by the Commission on a

centralised basis; and

(b) joint management with international organisations, where

appropriate.

Article 7

Implementation of the Programme

1.
The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close
the actions and
cooperation with the Member States, of
measures set out in the Programme in accordance with Articles 3
and 8.

The Commission and the Member States shall take appro-
2.
priate action, within their respective areas of competence, to
ensure the efficient running of the Programme and to develop
mechanisms at Community and Member State level to achieve
the objectives of the Programme. They shall ensure that appro-
priate information is provided about actions supported by the
Programme and that appropriate participation is obtained.

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For the attainment of the objectives of the Programme,
3.
the Commission shall, in close cooperation with the Member
States:

(a) pursue the comparability of data and information, and the
systems and
compatibility and interoperability of
networks for exchange of data and information on health;
and

the

(b) ensure the necessary cooperation and communication with
the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and
other relevant EU agencies in order to optimise the use of
Community funds.

the Programme,

In implementing

the Commission,
4.
together with the Member States, shall ensure compliance with
all relevant legal provisions regarding personal data protection
and, where appropriate,
the introduction of mechanisms to
ensure the confidentiality and safety of such data.

Article 10

Committee

The Commission shall be assisted by a committee (herein-

1.
after referred to as the Committee).

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and
7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the
provisions of Article 8 thereof.

The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC
shall be set at two months.

3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and
7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the
provisions of Article 8 thereof.

4.

The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.

Article 8

Article 11

Implementation measures

Participation of third countries

1.
The measures necessary for the implementation of this
Decision relating to the following shall be adopted in accord-
ance with the procedure referred to in Article 10(2):

(a) the annual work plan for
Programme, setting out:

the implementation of

the

(i) priorities and actions to be undertaken, including the

allocation of financial resources;

(ii) criteria for

the percentage of Community financial
contribution, including criteria for assessing whether or
not exceptional utility applies;

(iii) the arrangements for implementing the joint strategies

and actions referred to in Article 9;

(b) selection, award and other criteria for financial contributions

to the actions of the Programme covered by Article 4.

2.
Any other measures necessary for the implementation of
this Decision shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure
referred to in Article 10(3).

The Programme shall be open to the participation of:

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

established in the EEA Agreement; and

(b) third countries, in particular countries to which the Euro-
pean Neighbourhood Policy applies, countries
that are
applying for, are candidates for, or are acceding to, member-
ship of the European Union, and the western Balkan coun-
tries included in the stabilisation and association process, in
accordance with the conditions laid down in the respective
bilateral or multilateral agreements establishing the general
Community
principles
programmes.

participation

their

for

in

Article 12

International cooperation

In the course of implementing the Programme, relations and
cooperation with third countries that are not participating in
the Programme and relevant international organisations, in par-
ticular the WHO, shall be encouraged.

Article 9

Article 13

Joint strategies and actions

Monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of results

1.
To ensure a high level of human health protection in the
definition and implementation of all Community policies and
activities and to promote the mainstreaming of health,
the
objectives of the Programme may be implemented as joint stra-
tegies and joint actions by creating links with relevant Com-
munity programmes, actions and funds.

2.
The Commission shall ensure the optimal synergy of the
Programme with other Community programmes, actions and
funds.

The Commission, in close cooperation with the Member
1.
States, shall monitor the implementation of the actions of the
Programme in the light of its objectives. It shall report yearly to
the Committee on all actions and projects funded through the
Programme, and shall keep the European Parliament and the
Council informed.

2.
At the request of the Commission, which shall avoid a
disproportionate increase in the administrative burden of the
Member States, Member States shall submit any available infor-
mation on the implementation and impact of the Programme.

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The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament,
3.
the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and
the Committee of the Regions:

(a) not later than … (*), an external and independent interim
evaluation report on the results obtained in relation to the
objectives of the Programme and the qualitative and quanti-
tative aspects of its implementation as well as its consistency
and complementarity with other
relevant Community
programmes, actions and funds. The report shall in particu-
lar make it possible to assess the impact of measures on all
countries. The report shall contain a summary of the main
conclusions, and it shall be accompanied by remarks by the
Commission;

(b) not later than … (**), a Communication on the continua-

tion of the Programme;

(c) not later than 31 December 2015, an external and indepen-
dent ex post evaluation report covering the implementation
and results of the Programme.

The Commission shall make the results of actions under-
to this Decision publicly available and shall

4.
taken pursuant
ensure their dissemination.

Article 14

Repeal

Decision No 1786/2002/EC shall be repealed.

Article 15

Entry into force

This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of
its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels,

For the European Parliament

The President

…

For the Council

The President

…

(*) Three years after the entry into force of this Decision.
(**) Four years after the entry into force of this Decision.

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ANNEX

ACTIONS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 2(2)

1. Improve citizens' health security

1.1. Protect citizens against health threats

1.1.1. Develop strategies and mechanisms for preventing, exchanging information on and responding to health
threats from communicable and non-communicable diseases and health threats from physical, chemical or
biological sources, including deliberate release acts; take action to assure high-quality-diagnostic coopera-
tion between Member States' laboratories; support the work of existing laboratories carrying out work
with relevance to the Community; work on the setting up of a network of Community reference labora-
tories.

1.1.2. Support the development of prevention, vaccination and immunisation policies;

improve partnerships,

networks, tools and reporting systems for immunisation status and adverse events monitoring.

1.1.3. Develop risk management capacity and procedures; improve preparedness and planning for health emer-
gencies, including preparing for coordinated EU and international responses to health emergencies; develop
risk communication and consultation procedures on counter-measures.

1.1.4. Promote the cooperation and improvement of existing response capacity and assets, including protective

equipment, isolation facilities and mobile laboratories to deploy rapidly in emergencies.

1.1.5. Develop strategies and procedures for drawing up, improving surge capacity of, conducting exercises and
tests of, evaluating and revising general contingency and specific health emergency plans and their inter-
operability between Member States.

1.2. Improve citizens' safety

1.2.1. Support and enhance scientific advice and risk assessment by promoting the early identification of risks;
impact; exchange information on hazards and exposure; foster integrated and

analyse their potential
harmonised approaches.

1.2.2. Help to enhance the safety and quality of organs and substances of human origin, blood, and blood deriva-
tives; promote their availability, traceability and accessibility for medical use while respecting Member
States' responsibilities as set out in Article 152(5) of the Treaty.

1.2.3. Promote measures to improve patient safety through high-quality and safe healthcare, including in relation

to antibiotic resistance and nosocomial infections.

2. Promote health

2.1. Foster healthier ways of life and help bridge health inequalities

2.1.1. Promote initiatives to increase healthy life years and promote healthy ageing; support measures to promote
and explore the impact of health on productivity and labour participation as a contribution to meeting the
Lisbon goals; support measures to study the impact on health of other policies.

2.1.2. Support initiatives to identify the causes of, address and reduce health inequalities within and between
Member States, including those related to gender differences, in order to contribute to prosperity and cohe-
sion; promote investment in health in cooperation with other Community policies and funds; improve soli-
darity between national health systems by supporting cooperation on issues of cross-border care.

2.2. Promote healthier ways of life and reduce major diseases and injuries by tackling health determinants

2.2.1. Address health determinants to promote and improve physical and mental health, creating supportive
environments for healthy lifestyles and preventing disease; take action on key factors such as nutrition and
physical activity and sexual health, and on addiction-related determinants such as tobacco, alcohol and
drugs, focusing on key settings such as education and the workplace, and across the life cycle.

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2.2.2. Promote action on the prevention of major diseases of particular significance in view of the overall burden
of diseases in the Community, and on rare diseases, where Community action by tackling their determi-
nants can provide significant added value to national efforts.

2.2.3. Support action on the health effects of wider environmental and socio-economic determinants.

2.2.4. Promote actions to help reduce accidents and injuries.

3. Generate and disseminate health information and knowledge

3.1. Exchange knowledge and best practice

3.1.1. Exchange knowledge and best practice on health issues within the scope of the Programme.

3.2. Collect, analyse and disseminate health information

3.2.1. Develop further a sustainable health monitoring system with mechanisms for collection of data and infor-
mation, with appropriate indicators; collect data on health status and policies; develop, with the Com-
munity Statistical Programme, the statistical element of this system.

3.2.2. Develop mechanisms for analysis and dissemination,

including Community health reports, the Health
portal and conferences; provide information to citizens, stakeholders and policy makers, develop consulta-
tion mechanisms and participatory processes; establish regular reports on health status in the European
Union based on all data and indicators and including a qualitative and quantitative analysis.

3.2.3. Provide analysis and technical assistance in support of the development or implementation of policies or

legislation related to the scope of the Programme.

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STATEMENT OF THE COUNCIL'S REASONS

I. INTRODUCTION

1. On 15 April 2005, the Commission forwarded to the Council and to the European Parliament a
proposal (1) for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Programme
of Community action in the field of Health and Consumer protection 2007-2013.

2. The opinions of the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions
were adopted respectively on 14-15 February 2006 (2) and 16 February 2006 (3) while the European
Parliament's first reading opinion was adopted on 16 March 2006 (4).

3. Following the adoption on 17 May 2006 of the Interinstitutional Agreement between the European
Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial manage-
ment (including the multiannual financial framework 2007-2013), the Commission submitted on
29 May 2006 an amended proposal (5) (hereinafter second Public Health Programme) which incorpo-
rated a number of European Parliament amendments, notably on the split of the proposal into two
separate programmes (one in the field of health and one in the field of consumer protection), as well
as the revised budget allocations.

4. On 22 March 2007, the Council adopted its Common Position in accordance with Article 251(2) of

the Treaty.

II. OBJECTIVE

The second Public Health Programme for the period 2007-2013 is to replace the current programme
established by the Decision No 1786/2002/EC (6).

The main objectives of the second Public Health Programme are to:

— improve citizen's health security,

— promote health, and

— generate and disseminate health information and knowledge.

These objectives will be pursued through the actions listed in the Annex to the Decision that represent a
continuation with respect to the current programme, while at the same time adapting them to new stra-
tegic issues, such as the need to promote healthy ageing, further address health inequalities and improve
preparedness and planning for health emergencies.

Concrete priorities and actions, as well as other aspects of the programme's implementation (e.g. alloca-
tion of financial resources, selection and award criteria for financial contributions, the arrangements for
implementing the joint strategies and actions), will be decided in the annual work-plans in consultation
with the programme's management Committee. The broad objectives of the Public Health Programme
give room to deal with new emerging issues, if needed, during its implementation period.

The total amount of the budget allocated to the programme stands at EUR 365,6 million in current
prices.

III. ANALYSIS OF THE COMMON POSITION

1. General remarks

In general, the Council has followed the European Parliament's first reading Opinion that was incor-
porated to a considerable extent in the Commission's amended proposal. In particular, the Council
agreed to the split of the Commission's original proposal into two separate programmes (one in the
field of health and one in the field of consumer protection). The Council agreed to the revised budget
allocations as mentioned in section II above and set out in the Interinstitutional agreement of 17 May
2006. It should be noted that the European Parliament's first reading opinion was adopted on
16 March 2006, i.e. before the Interinstitutional agreement of 17 May 2006.

(1) OJ C 172, 12.7.2005, p. 25.
(2) OJ C 88, 11.4.2006, p. 1.
(3) OJ C 192, 16.8.2006, p. 8.
(4) 7537/06.
(5) 9905/06.
(6) OJ L 271, 9.10.2002, p. 1.

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2. European Parliament Amendments

In its plenary vote on 16 March 2006, the European Parliament adopted 145 Amendments to the
Commission's initial proposal. The majority of these amendments were integrated in the Commis-
sion's amended proposal, with respect of which the Council has accepted further amendments in its
common position.

The Council:

(a) Introduced in the common position 22 Amendments related to the split of the Commission's

original proposal into two separate programmes, as follows:

(i) Amendments accepted in full:

Amendment 1 (on Title): the new title;

Amendment 2 (on Citation 1);

Amendment 15 (on Recital 2): the additional part not related to the split is accepted in
Recital 4;

Amendment 37 (on Recital 4): deleted;

Amendment 42 (on Recital 9); this Recital is now Recital 31;

Amendment 52 (on Article 3); this Article is now Article 4;

Amendment 74 (on Article 11); this Article is now Article 14;

Amendment 75 (on Article 12); this Article is now Article 5.2;

Amendment 76 (on Annex 1); Annex 1 was deleted;

Amendments 77, 78, 84, 86, 101: (on Annex 2); this Annex 2 is now Annex;

Amendment 140 (on Annex 3); this Annex became the annex to the programme of Com-
munity action in the field of Consumer policy (2007-2013).

(ii) Amendments reworded or accepted in part:

Amendment 3 (on Recital 1); accepted concerning the splitting;

Amendment 18 (on Recital 3): accepted concerning the splitting;

Amendment 38 (on Recital 5): partly also accepted in Recital 12;

Amendment 41 (on Recital 7): accepted concerning the splitting;

Amendment 43 (on Recital 11): reworded in Recital 33;

Amendment 48 (on Article 1);

Amendment 49 (on Article 2): partly also accepted in Article 2.1.

(b) did not accept Amendment 113 as a result of the reduced number of actions in the Commis-

sion's amended proposal.

(c) Introduced in the common position 91 Amendments which were not related to the split of the

proposal, as follows:

(i) Amendments accepted in full:

On the recitals:

Amendment 7 (on Recital 1 d (new)): is now in Recital 3;

Amendment 9 (on Recital 1 f (new)): is now in Recital 6;

Amendment 19 (on Recital 3 a (new)): is now in Recital 12;

Amendment 20 (on Recital 3 b (new)): is now in Recital 14;

Amendment 21 (on Recital 3 c (new)): is now in Recital 15;

Amendment 22 (on Recital 3 d (new)): is now in Recital 16;

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Amendment 24 (on Recital 3 f (new)): is now in Recital 17;

Amendment 30 (on Recital 3 l (new)): is now in Recital 22;

Amendment 34 (on Recital 3 p (new)): is now in Recital 24;

Amendment 35 (on Recital 3 q (new)): is now in Recital 26;

Amendment 36 (on Recital 3 r (new)): is now in Recital 26;

On the Articles:

Amendment 59 (on Article 4 paragraph 1 d (new)): is now in Article 7.3(a);

Amendment 60 (on Article 4 paragraph 1 e (new)): is now Article 7.3(b);

Amendment 61 (on Article 4 paragraph 1 f (new)): is now Article 7.4;

Amendment 66 (on Article 7 paragraph 1 point (a)): is now Article 8.1(a)(i);

Amendment 69 (on Article 7 paragraph 2): is now Article 8.2;

Amendment 70 (on Article 9): is now Article 12;

Amendment 72 (on Article 10, paragraph 3); deleted;

(ii) Amendments reworded or accepted in part:

On the recitals:

Amendment 4 (on Recital 1): partly accepted in Recital 1;

Amendment 6 (on Recital 1 c (new)): reworded in Recital 2;

Amendment 8 (on Recital 1 e (new)): partly accepted in Recital 5;

Amendment 10 (on Recital 1 g (new)): partly accepted in Recital 7;

Amendment 13 (on Recital 1 k (new)): partly accepted in Recital 8;

Amendment 14 (on Recital 11 (new)): reworded in Recital 9;

Amendment 16 (on Recital 2 a (new)): partly accepted in Recital 10;

Amendment 17 (on Recital 2 b (new)): partly accepted in Recital 11;

Amendment 23 (on Recital 3 e (new)): partly accepted in Recital 17;

Amendment 25 (on Recital 3 g (new)): partly accepted in Recital 18;

Amendment 26 (on Recital 3 h (new)): partly accepted in Recital 18;

Amendment 27 (on Recital 3 g (new)): reworded in Recital 19;

Amendment 28 (on Recital 3 j (new)): reworded in Recital 21;

Amendment 29 (on Recital 3 k (new)): partly accepted in Recital 21;

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Amendment 31 (on Recital 3 m (new)): partly accepted in Recital 23;

Amendment 39 (on Recital 5 a (new)): reworded in Recital 27;

Amendment 40 (on Recital 6): partly accepted in Recital 28;

Amendment 44 (on Recital 12): partly accepted in Recital 34;

Amendment 45 (on Recital 13): partly accepted in Recital 36;

Amendment 46 (on Recital 13 a (new)): reworded in Recital 37;

Amendment 47 (on Recital 14): reworded in Recital 38 and Article 5.2;

On the Articles:

Amendment 50 (on Article 2 paragraph 2, point (a) new): partly accepted in Recital 1 and
Annex Objective 2.1;

Amendment 53 (on Article 3 paragraph 2, point (b)): partly accepted in Article 4.1(b);

Amendment 55 (on Article 4): partly accepted in Article 7.1;

Amendment 56 (on Article 4 paragraph 1 a (new)): partly accepted in Article 7.3(a);

Amendment 57 (on Article 4 paragraph 1 b (new)): partly accepted in Article 7.2;

Amendment 62 (on Article 4, paragraph 1 g (new)): partly accepted in Article 5.2;

Amendment 63 (on Article 4 a (new)): partly accepted in Article 9;

Amendment 67 (on Article 7, paragraph 1 point
Article 8.1(a)(iii);

(aa)

(new)): partly accepted in

Amendment 71 (on Article 10 paragraph 2): partly accepted in Article 13.3;

Amendment 73 (on Article 10, paragraph 3 a (new)): partly accepted in Article 13.3(a);

Amendment 146 (on Article 7, paragraph 1 point a c (new)): partly accepted in Article 8.1;

Amendment 147 (on Article 10, paragraph 1): partly accepted in Art. 13.3(a);

On the Annex:

Amendments 79 and 80 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Article 7.3(b);

Amendment 81 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in the Annex, Objective 1.2.3;

Amendment 85 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 1.1.3;

Amendment 88 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recitals 11 and 22;

Amendment 89 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 2.2.1;

Amendment 90 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recital 19;

Amendment 91 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 2.1.2;

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Amendment 92 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recitals 16 and 37, and Annex Objec-
tive 2.1;

Amendment 93 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 1.1.1;

Amendment 98 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recitals 17, 23 and Annex Objective 2.1.1;

Amendment 99 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recitals 17, 23 and Annex Objective 2.1.2;

Amendment 100 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Article 2.2 and Annex Objective 2.2;

Amendment 104 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 2.1;

Amendment 106 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 1.1.2;

Amendment 107 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recitals 16 and 37, and Annex Objec-
tive 2.1;

Amendment 108 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recital 18 and Annex Objective 3.1;

Amendment 109 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recital 21;

Amendment 110 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recital 19;

Amendment 111 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recitals 18, 19 and Annex Objective 2.2;

Amendment 112 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Article 2.2 and Annex Objective 2.2;

Amendment 115 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recital 21;

Amendment 116 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 3.1;

Amendment 117 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recitals 17 and 23, and Annex Objec-
tive 2.1.2;

Amendment 118 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recital 21;

Amendment 119 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 2.1.1;

Amendment 120 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 1.2.2;

Amendment 121 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recital 12, Articles 2.2 and 9, and Annex
Objective 3;

Amendment 123 (on Annex 2): reworded in Annex Objective 3;

Amendment 124 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 3.2;

Amendment 125 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recital 17 and Annex Objective 3.2.1;

Amendment 126 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 3.2.1;

Amendment 132 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 1.1.1;

Amendment 133 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 3.2.2;

Amendment 134 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Recitals 12 and 13, Article 9.1 and Annex
Objective 2.1.1;

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Amendment 135 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in the Annex;

Amendment 136 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Article 12;

Amendment 137 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 1.2.1;

Amendment 138 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 1.2.2;

Amendment 139 (on Annex 2): partly accepted in Annex Objective 3.2.3;

(d) Did not include 26 Amendments (5, 11, 12, 32, 33, 51, 54, 58, 65, 68, 82, 83, 87, 95, 96,

102, 103, 105, 122, 128, 130, 131, 145, 148, 152 and 153) in the common position.

The Council cannot accept the following five amendments due to resource-related constrains
following the adoption of the Interinstitutional agreement of 17 May 2006: 64, 97, 114, 127
and 129.

IV. CONCLUSION

The Council considers that its common position, which incorporates the Amendments mentioned in
Sections III.2.(a) and (c), takes good account of the first reading opinion of the European Parliament.

The common position represents a balance of concerns and interests ensuring that the objectives of the
programme could be implemented through a tightened number of actions and instruments as well as
more accurate methods and procedures, which have been reformulated in line with the European Parlia-
ment's first reading opinion and the Commission's amended proposal. The Decision will improve the
effectiveness of Community actions in the field of public health and raise awareness about status of
health in the European Union, thus contributing to the improvement and protection of health of the
European Union' citizens.