Decision No 1350/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 establishing a second programme of Community action in the field of health (2008-13) (Text with EEA relevance )
Date: 2007-10-23
Institutions: Council of the European Union, European Parliament
Subjects: EU action, action programme, disease prevention, public awareness campaign, public health

20.11.2007

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DECISIONS ADOPTED JOINTLY BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE
COUNCIL

DECISION No 1350/2007/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 23 October 2007

establishing a second programme of Community action in the field of health (2008-13)

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE
EUROPEAN UNION,

(2)

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

establishing the European

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

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

Whereas:

(1)

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
Community 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 indi-
vidual Member States, in accordance with the principle of
subsidiarity. The Community fully respects the responsi-
bilities of the Member States for the organisation and
delivery of health services and medical care.

(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 (OJ C 103 E, 8.5.2007, p. 11) and Position of the European
Parliament of 10 July 2007 (not yet published in the Official
Journal). Council Decision of 9 October 2007.

(3)

(4)

(5)

for

growth,

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

to ageing of

The programme of Community action in the field of
public health (2003-08),
adopted by Decision No
1786/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the
Council (4), was
integrated Community
first
programme in this field, and it has already delivered a
number of important developments and improvements.

the

is

required in order

Continued effort
the
objectives already established by the Community in the
field of public health.
is therefore appropriate to
establish a second programme of Community action on
‘the
health (2008-13)
Programme’).

(hereinafter

to meet

referred

to as

It

A number of serious cross-border health threats with a
possible worldwide 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
emphasis on strengthening the Community’s
place
overall capacities by further developing cooperation
between the Member States. Monitoring, early warning
and action to combat serious threats to health are
important areas where an effective and coordinated
should be promoted at
response to health threats
Community level. Action to ensure high-quality diag-
nostic 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.

(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).

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

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heart

unipolar

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
depressive
disease,
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
pressure, high cholesterol, overweight,
low fruit and
inactivity — account for
vegetable intake and physical
In addition, communicable diseases
60 % of DALYs.
such as HIV/AIDS,
influenza, tuberculosis and malaria
are also becoming a threat to the health of all people
in Europe. An important
in
cooperation, where appropriate, with the Community
Statistical Programme, should be to identify better the
main health burdens in the Community.

the Programme,

task of

of public health (2003-08). It should contribute 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 should
further contribute to providing citizens with better access
to information and thereby increase their ability to make
decisions which best cater for their interests.

(11)

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

respiratory diseases,

Eight leading causes of mortality and morbidity from
NCDs in the WHO European Region are cardiovascular
diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders,
cancer, digestive
sense organ disorders,
diseases,
musculoskeletal diseases
and diabetes mellitus. The
Programme, in synergy with other Community initiatives
and funding, should contribute to better knowledge of
and information on the prevention, diagnosis and control
of major diseases. Accordingly,
the Commission may
submit, during the course of the Programme, proposals
for pertinent Council Recommendations. The Programme
should also foster appropriate coordination and synergies
among Community initiatives regarding the collection of
comparable data on major diseases, including cancer.

resistance

to antibiotics

Microbial
and nosocomial
infections are becoming a threat to health in Europe.
The 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 com-
municable diseases.

(12)

(13)

(14)

be

with

policies.

Coordination

actions may

undertaken with

The Programme should support the mainstreaming of
health objectives in all Community policies and activities,
without duplicating work carried out under other
Community
other
Community policies and programmes is a key part of
the objective of mainstreaming health in other policies.
In order to promote synergies and avoid duplication,
joint
related
Community programmes and actions and appropriate
use should be made of other Community funds and
programmes,
future
the
Community framework programmes for research and
their outcomes, the Structural Funds, the European Soli-
darity Fund, the European strategy for health at work, the
programme of Community action in the
field of
consumer policy (2007-13) (2), the programme ‘Drugs
‘Fight
prevention and information’,
against violence (Daphne)’ and the Community Statistical
Programme within their respective activities.

the programme

including

current

and

synergies

Programme

between the

Special efforts should be undertaken to ensure coherence
and
the
Community’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.

and

Increasing Healthy Life Years (HLY) 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 society and the sustainability of public
finances, which are under pressure from rising health
care and social security costs.

(10)

The Programme should build on the achievements of the
previous Programme for Community action in the field

(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).

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(15)

concerns

The enlargement of the European Union has brought
additional
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.

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.

(16)

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

(21)

(17)

is essential

It
to systematically 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, socioeconomic
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 reference networks
for specific conditions should be developed.

(19) Action should be taken in order to prevent

injuries
by collecting data, analysing injury determinants and
disseminating relevant information.

(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 prin-
ciples 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

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
a
European health insurance card. Telemedicine should be
taken into account as telemedicine applications may
contribute to cross-border care while ensuring medical
care at home.

for health-related websites

and towards

(22)

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 2004-10.

(23)

The Programme should address genderrelated and ageing-
related health issues.

(24)

(25)

(26)

approach to public health and take

The Programme should recognise the importance of a
into
holistic
account, where appropriate and where there is scientific
or clinical evidence about
its efficacy, complementary
and alternative medicine in its actions.

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

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
the
the Council
discipline
Commission
sound
financial management (2),
the budgetary authority
during the annual budgetary procedure.

budgetary
for

Parliament,

European

and

and

on

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

(2) OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

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(27)

(28)

in

the

States
it

implementation

In order to ensure a high level of coordination between
actions and initiatives taken by the Community and
Member
the
Programme,
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 participation 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 implementation of the Programme.

of

It is necessary to increase EU investment in health and
health-related projects. In this regard, Member States are
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
be
Structural
encouraged.

through

should

Funds

the

(29) 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 contri-
butions to enable them to function. Hence, detailed eligi-
bility 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
im-
plementing powers conferred on the Commission (1).
Such criteria should include the obligations of such
bodies and networks in establishing clear objectives,
action plans and measurable results
representing a
strong European dimension and a real added value for
the objectives of the Programme. Given the particular
nature of the organisations concerned and in cases of
exceptional utility, it should be possible for the renewal
of Community support to the functioning of such bodies
to be exempted from the
and specialised networks
principle
of
the
of
Community support.

decrease

gradual

extent

of

(30)

(31)

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.

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
objectives of the Programme.

(1) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision

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

(32)

The Agreement on the European Economic Area (here-
inafter 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
in particular the
to participation by other countries,
and
of
neighbouring
countries that are applying for, are candidates for, or
are acceding to, membership of the European Union,
taking particular account of
for health
threats arising in other countries to have an impact
within the Community.

the Community

the potential

countries

(33) 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
countries and the Community. This may involve third
countries taking forward complementary activities to
those financed through the Programme on areas of
mutual interest, but should not involve a financial contri-
bution under the Programme.

(34)

(35)

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

and efficiency of

effectiveness

evaluation,

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

time period than the duration of

and demonstrate

independent

Programme.

including

their

the

the

(36)

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

funding mechanisms,

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(37)

(38)

(39)

the

issues

involved,

the potential

Since the objectives of this Decision cannot be sufficient-
ly achieved by the Member States due to the trans-
and can
national nature of
therefore, by reason of
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
In accordance with the principle of pro-
Treaty.
portionality, as set out
this Decision
in that Article,
does not go beyond what
is necessary in order to
achieve those objectives.

3(2)

provides

thereof, which

In accordance with Article 2 of
the Treaty, which
provides that equality between men and women is a
principle of
the Community, and in accordance with
the
Article
Community shall aim to eliminate inequalities, and to
promote equality between men and women in all
Community activities
including the attainment of a
high level of health protection, all objectives and
actions
to
promoting a better understanding and recognition of
men’s and women’s respective needs and approaches to
health.

the Programme

covered by

contribute

that

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

(40)

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 (2008-13)’ covering the period from 1 January 2008 to
31 December 2013 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Programme’)
is hereby established.

solidarity and prosperity in the European Union by protecting
and promoting human health and safety and improving public
health.

The objectives to be pursued through the actions set out

2.
in the Annex shall be:

— to improve citizens’ health security,

— to promote health,

including the reduction of health

inequalities,

— to generate
knowledge.

and disseminate health information and

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

to reducing

incidence

as well

their

as

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 321 500 000.

Annual

2.
budgetary
framework.

appropriations

shall be

authority within the

authorised by
the

the
financial

limits of

Article 4

Financial contributions

Financial contributions by the Community shall not

1.
exceed the following levels:

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

(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

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(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.
the
Community contribution shall not exceed 80 %.

exceptional utility,

In cases of

renewal of

in
2.
The
to non-governmental bodies and specialised
paragraph 1(b)
networks may be exempted from the principle of gradual
decrease.

contributions

financial

set out

In this case,

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 auth-
the
orities of other participating countries.
Community 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-governmental body, which
is non-profit-making and independent of industry, commercial
and business or other conflicting interests, and pursues as its
primary goal one or more objectives of
the Programme,
designated through a transparent procedure by the Member
State or the competent authority concerned and agreed by the
Commission.

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 im-
plementation, 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

The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close
the actions and
in the Programme in accordance with

1.
cooperation with the Member States, of
measures
Articles 3 and 8.

set out

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 paragraphs 1 and 3 shall not apply, although co-financing is
still required.

2.
The Commission and the Member States shall take appro-
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.

Article 5

Administrative and technical assistance

the Programme and the realisation of

The financial allocation of the Programme may also cover
1.
expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit
and evaluation activities required directly for the management
of
in
particular
information and publication
actions, expenses linked to informatics networks focusing on
information exchange, as well as all other technical and admin-
istrative assistance expense that
the Commission may have
recourse to for the management of the Programme.

studies, meetings,

its objectives,

3.
For the attainment of the objectives of the Programme, 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

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

(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.

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the Programme,

In implementing

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

legal provisions

appropriate,

relevant

the

Article 10

Committee

The Commission shall be assisted by a committee (here-

1.
inafter referred to as ‘the Committee’).

Article 8

Implementation measures

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 measures necessary for the implementation of this
adopted in

1.
Decision relating to the
accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 10(2):

following shall be

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

(a)

the annual work plan for
Programme, setting out:

the implementation of

the

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.

(i) priorities and actions to be undertaken,

including the

allocation of financial resources;

(ii) criteria for

the percentage of Community financial
including criteria for assessing whether

contribution,
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
the Programme in accordance with

to the actions of
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).

Article 11

Participation of third countries

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,

countries

in particular

to which the
European Neighbourhood Policy applies, countries that are
for, or are acceding to,
applying for, are candidates
the European Union, and the western
membership of
included in the stabilisation and as-
Balkan countries
sociation process,
in accordance with the conditions laid
down in the respective bilateral or multilateral agreements
establishing the general principles for their participation in
Community programmes.

Article 12

International cooperation

Article 9

Joint strategies and actions

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

international organisations,

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

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

Article 13

Monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of results

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.

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At the request of the Commission, which shall avoid a
2.
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.

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 31 December 2010, an external and inde-
pendent interim evaluation report on the results obtained in
relation to the objectives of the Programme and the quali-
tative and quantitative aspects of its implementation as well
as its consistency and complementarity with other relevant
Community programmes, actions and funds. The report
shall in particular 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 ac-
companied by remarks by the Commission;

(b) not later than 31 December 2011, a communication on the

continuation of the Programme;

(c) not later than 31 December 2015, an external and inde-
pendent ex-post evaluation report covering the implemen-
tation and results of the Programme.

The Commission shall make the

4.
undertaken pursuant
shall ensure their dissemination.

results of actions
to this Decision publicly available and

Article 14

Repeal

Decision No 1786/2002/EC shall be repealed with effect from
1 January 2008.

The Commission shall adopt any administrative arrangement
necessary to ensure the transition between the measures
adopted under Decision No 1786/2002/EC and those imple-
mented under the Programme.

Article 15

Entry into force

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

Done at Strasbourg, 23 October 2007.

For the European Parliament
The President

For the Council
The President

H.-G. PÖTTERING

M. LOBO ANTUNES

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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 ensure high-quality diagnostic cooperation 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 laboratories.

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 emergencies,
including preparing for coordinated EU and international responses to health emergencies; develop risk commu-
nication 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; analyse
foster integrated and harmonised

impact; exchange information on hazards and exposure;

their potential
approaches.

1.2.2. Help to enhance the safety and quality of organs and substances of human origin, blood, and blood derivatives;
promote their availability, traceability and accessibility for medical use while respecting Member States’ responsi-
bilities 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 the reduction of 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 cohesion; promote
investment in health in cooperation with other Community policies and funds;
improve solidarity between
national health systems by supporting cooperation on issues of cross-border care and patient and health profes-
sional mobility.

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 envir-
onments 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,
illegal drugs and
pharmaceuticals used improperly, 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 determinants can
provide significant added value to national efforts.

2.2.3. Address the health effects of wider environmental determinants, including indoor air quality, exposure to toxic

chemicals where not addressed by other Community initiatives, 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.

3.1.2. Support cooperation to enhance the application of best practice within Member States, including, where appro-

priate, supporting European reference networks.

3.2.

Collect, analyse and disseminate health information.

3.2.1. Develop further a sustainable health monitoring system with mechanisms for collection of comparable data and
information, with appropriate indicators; ensure appropriate coordination of and follow-up to Community
initiatives regarding registries on cancer, based, inter alia, on the data collected when implementing the Council
Recommendation of 2 December 2003 on cancer screening (1); collect data on health status and policies; develop,
with the Community 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 consultation 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.

(1) OJ L 327, 16.12.2003, p. 34.

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TRILATERAL DECLARATION REGARDING THE SECOND COMMUNITY HEALTH
PROGRAMME 2008-13

The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission:
— share the view that the second programme of Community action in the field of health (2008-13) must

be provided with financial means that allow fully for its implementation;

— recall Article 37 of

the Interinstitutional Agreement on budgetary discipline and sound financial
management (1) stating that the budgetary authority and the Commission undertake not to depart by
more than 5 % from the budget unless new, objective, long-term circumstances arise for which specific
reasons are given. Any increase resulting from such variation must remain within the existing ceiling of
the heading concerned;

— assure their willingness to evaluate in a sound manner the specific needs and circumstances of the health

programme in the annual budget procedure.

(1) OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

COMMISSION DECLARATION

1. On 24 May 2006, the Commission issued an amended proposal for a second programme of Community
action in the field of health (2007-13) (1). In Article 7, the reference amount of the programme was
proposed to be set at EUR 365,6 million for the period starting in 2007 and ending in 2013.

2. Because of delays in the legislative procedure, on 23 March 2007 the Commission informed the Budget
Authority that the start of the new public health programme will have to be postponed to budget year
2008 (2). As a consequence, the envelope of the new public health programme 2008-13 would need to
be adjusted to the level of EUR 321,5 million.

3. An amount of EUR 44,1 million will be used in the 2007 budget year under the present public health
programme (3) in order to ensure maximum continuity concerning public health actions. Therefore, the
total envelope for public health actions financed from the programmes over the period 2007-13 sums
up to EUR 365,6 million.

(1) COM(2006) 234.
(2) COM(2007) 150.
(3) Decision No 1786/2002/ΕC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2002 adopting a

programme of Community action in the field of public health (2003-08) (OJ L 271, 9.10.2002, p. 1).