Transcript Slide 1

An Introduction to the European Union
17 January 2011
Anne Hoel
European Policy Manager
EPHA – European Public Health Alliance
EU ID
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27 Member States – soon 28?
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480 million citizens
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World’s biggest economy: generate approx 21% of
the global economy (GDP) in 2009 = 14.8 trillion US
dollars
20% of global imports and exports
But… 1 child /5 lives in poverty
80-90 million people at risk of poverty
EU is an economic area
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EU = economic area first and foremost
= Single Market
= Free movement of people
= Free movement of workers
= Free movement of goods
= Free movement of capital
= Right to establishment and right to provide services
Single Market as a tool and a goal in itself
Competence on health very limited
European law takes precedence over national law and even national
constitutional lax
Areas of conflicts between social
(health) and economic objectives
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regulation
deregulation
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state subsidies
free competition
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solidarity
market efficiency
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territoriality principle
nondiscrimination
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price fixing
prohibition of
cartels
Areas of conflicts between social
(health) and economic objectives
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compulsory membership
free choice
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supply restrictions
free movement
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monopolies
freedom of establishment
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Selective contracting
no abuse of
dominant position
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Source: Rita Baeten (observatoire social Européen,
2007)
Making the case for health
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Why regulation in health (and social) sector?
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Access is fundamental right
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Information asymmetry
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Third payer
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Harmful commodities (taxation, provision, advertising)
How to define the specificity of health and social services?
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Values, objectives, instruments;
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Solidarity, inclusion
How to anchor a good balance between economic and social
objectives?
And now? Opportunities to act
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2009: New Treaty of Lisbon balancing better the objectives and
articles
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2009-2010: launch of a process to revise the Single Market
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June 2010: Monti report
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November 2010: publication of the Single Market Act
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Consultation until 28 Feb 2011
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Single Market Forum
Who decides?
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European Commission (DGs)
European Council (Council of Ministers)
European Parliament (MEPs)
Economic and Social Committee
Committee of the Regions
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European Court of Justice
Court of Auditors
EU Ombudsman
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!!! EU competence on health is very limited !!!
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The role of civil society and advocacy
17 January 2011
Anne Hoel
European Policy Manager
EPHA – European Public Health Alliance
Who decides?
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European Commission (DGs)
European Council (Council of Ministers)
European Parliament (MEPs)
Economic and Social Committee
Committee of the Regions
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European Court of Justice
Court of Auditors
EU Ombudsman
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!!! EU competence on health is very limited !!!
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Lobby jungle
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Private sector – economic operators
Interest groups and trade associations
Non-governmental organisations
Think Tanks
Public affairs consultancies
Law firms
Non-EU governments
Media
Local and regional authorities
Academics
Trade unions
What role for health advocates?
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Achieving policy
change: Nothing for
us without us
Upholding values –
general interest
Watchdog role –
balancing big
economic interests
What is EPHA?
The European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) is a Brussels-based network
representing the public health community throughout Europe.
Mission: “To play a leading role by advocating for a healthier European
society and greater participation of people in policy making at the
European level.”
Members: ranging from academics to diseases-related advocates, population’s
groups, patients’ groups, health professionals…
From the local to international level
What tools do we have to advocate
for greater health outcomes? 1/2
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European Commission:
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before any proposal, need for input - Consultations (Green Paper)
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Meet with desk officers, heads of Unit
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Send them your positions and reports
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Imapct Assessment
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Commissions studies
European Parliament:
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Provide amendments for MEPs
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MEPs can question the Commission (Oral and Written – available on the
EP Website)
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Written Declarations
The Council of Ministers– work at national level
What tools do we have to advocate
for greater health outcomes? 2/2
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Our values
Evidence-based positions,
reports from projects, concrete
examples
Scientific and/or grassroot
expertise
Manifestos for the elections
Campaigning and working
together
Role Play
The role of stakeholders in building
health public policy
17 January 2011
Anne Hoel and Alison Abrahams
EPHA – European Public Health Alliance
Hearing in the European Parliament
on the Single Market Act
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Let’s imagine…
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The new Single Market Act is out
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THe European Parliament has to make an
opinion
They call on experts to present their views,
with several cases
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One on alcohol
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One on health and social services
Hearing in the European Parliament
on the Single Market Act
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4 groups
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One NGO ‘PreventAlcohol’
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One trade associations of Wine producers
(Winers of Europe)
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One NGO providing social and health services
(People First)
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One trade association of businesses (Health
Services Centre)
Three MEPs
Hearing in the European Parliament
on the Single Market Act
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30 minutes to prep
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30 minutes to debate (5’ per group to speak)
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20 minutes of debrief
Debrief
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Feedback? Questions? Discussions?
European Public Health Alliance
Rue de Trèves 49 – 51 Boite 6
BE - 1040 Brussels
+32 (0) 2 233 3887
[email protected]
www.epha.org