Brussels, 13/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 13 November, Coreper, the permanent representatives of the member states, ratified the final agreement on the health programme concluded at the most recent trialogue meeting on 6 November last. The third multiannual EU health programme for the 2014-2020 period will have a €449.4 million budget. It will continue on the same basis as the two previous programmes but its objectives have been scaled down and are now better targeted. The new programme's key objective is to complement the policies carried out by member states for reducing inequality in the health sector. It will seek to encourage innovation, enhance the sustainability of health systems, improve access to health care and protect European citizens from cross-border health threats. Discussions began at the Council of Ministers under the Danish Presidency and health ministers adopted a partial general approach during their formal meeting on 22 June 2012. Trialogue negotiations with Parliament and the European Commission began in the second half of 2012. The European Parliament and the Council of Ministers now have to formally adopt the agreement. (IL/transl.fl)