Regulation 2014/282 - Establishment of a third Programme for the Union's action in the field of health (2014-2020) - Main contents

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 86/1

In accordance with Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), a high level of human health protection is to be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities. The Union is to complement and support national health policies, encourage cooperation between Member States and promote the coordination between their programmes, in full respect of the responsibilities of the Member States for the definition of their health policies and the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care.

Continued effort is required in order to meet the requirements set out in Article 168 TFEU. The promotion of good health at Union level is also an integral part of 'Europe 2020: A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth' ("the Europe 2020 Strategy"). Keeping people healthy and active longer and empowering them to take an active role in managing their health, will have positive overall effects on health, including a reduction of health inequalities, and a positive impact on quality of life, on productivity and competitiveness, while reducing pressures on national budgets. Support for, and recognition of, innovation, which has an impact on health, helps to take up the challenge of sustainability in the health sector in the context of demographic change; and action to reduce inequalities in health is important for the purposes of achieving 'inclusive growth'. It is appropriate in that context to establish the third Programme for the Union's action in the field of health (2014-2020) ('the Programme').

According to the definition of the World Health Organisation (WHO), "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.". In order to improve the health of the population in the Union and reduce health inequalities, it is essential not to focus only on physical health. According to the WHO, mental health problems account for almost 40 % of years lived with disability. Mental health problems are also wide-ranging, long-lasting and a source of discrimination, and contribute significantly to inequality in health. Moreover, the economic crisis affects factors determining mental health, as protective factors are weakened and risk factors increased.

The previous programmes of Community action in the field of public health (2003-2008) and in the field of health (2008-2013), adopted respectively by Decisions No 1786/2002/EC (4) and 1350/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (5) ("the previous health programmes"), have been positively assessed as resulting in a number of important developments and improvements. The Programme should build on the achievements of the previous health programmes. It should also take into account the recommendations of the external audits and evaluations carried out, in particular recommendations of the Court of Auditors in its Special Report No 2/2009, according to which,...