On Wednesday 13 December, the European Commission adopted its work programme for the 2018 implementation of the third Union action programme in the health field. This will help mobilise a maximum amount of €66.3 million.
The 2014-20 health programme is based on regulation 282/2014 and pursues four objectives: (1) promoting health, preventing disease and promoting healthy living through “health in all policies"; (2) protecting EU citizens against serious cross-border health threats; (3) contributing to innovative, effective and sustainable health systems; (4) facilitating access to safe and high-quality healthcare for EU citizens.
It will have a budget of €444.4 million to achieve this objective.
In its implementing decision, the Commission has set a maximum Union contribution for 2018 action in health at €66 373 500 (€2 million more than in 2017 and four times as much as in 2016). It also establishes the additional contributions from EFTA countries to €1 546 502 and for those from third countries at €203 820. It has also set a ceiling on a maximum financial contribution from the Union to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) anti-smoking framework convention at €230 000.
Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis stated, “Our budget may be relatively modest but I am seeking to support action that provides incontrovertible European added value, such as those that link up expertise on rare diseases and prepare a robust response in the event of serious cross-border health threats, which could make a real difference to the health and well-being of European citizens”. The text of the implementing decision can be consulted at the following page: http://bit.ly/2AS9FAY ] (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)