Transcript Slide 1
An Introduction to the European Union
17 January 2011
Anne Hoel
European Policy Manager
EPHA – European Public Health Alliance
EU ID
27 Member States – soon 28?
480 million citizens
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
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
regulation
deregulation
state subsidies
free competition
solidarity
market efficiency
territoriality principle
nondiscrimination
price fixing
prohibition of
cartels
Areas of conflicts between social
(health) and economic objectives
compulsory membership
free choice
supply restrictions
free movement
monopolies
freedom of establishment
Selective contracting
no abuse of
dominant position
Source: Rita Baeten (observatoire social Européen,
2007)
Making the case for health
Why regulation in health (and social) sector?
Access is fundamental right
Information asymmetry
Third payer
Harmful commodities (taxation, provision, advertising)
How to define the specificity of health and social services?
Values, objectives, instruments;
Solidarity, inclusion
How to anchor a good balance between economic and social
objectives?
And now? Opportunities to act
2009: New Treaty of Lisbon balancing better the objectives and
articles
2009-2010: launch of a process to revise the Single Market
June 2010: Monti report
November 2010: publication of the Single Market Act
Consultation until 28 Feb 2011
Single Market Forum
Who decides?
European Commission (DGs)
European Council (Council of Ministers)
European Parliament (MEPs)
Economic and Social Committee
Committee of the Regions
European Court of Justice
Court of Auditors
EU Ombudsman
!!! EU competence on health is very limited !!!
The role of civil society and advocacy
17 January 2011
Anne Hoel
European Policy Manager
EPHA – European Public Health Alliance
Who decides?
European Commission (DGs)
European Council (Council of Ministers)
European Parliament (MEPs)
Economic and Social Committee
Committee of the Regions
European Court of Justice
Court of Auditors
EU Ombudsman
!!! EU competence on health is very limited !!!
Lobby jungle
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?
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
European Commission:
before any proposal, need for input - Consultations (Green Paper)
Meet with desk officers, heads of Unit
Send them your positions and reports
Imapct Assessment
Commissions studies
European Parliament:
Provide amendments for MEPs
MEPs can question the Commission (Oral and Written – available on the
EP Website)
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