European Union Health Policy: A Short Overview

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Since its foundation, the European Union has increased, after a long initial period of mainly economic integration and to differing extents, its effect on many social policy areas including health issues. The main objective of this study is to provide an overview of EU health policy within a conceptual framework. EU health policy has mainly evolved via two contradictory strands: one is the public health strand and the other one is the internal market strand. The EU has struggled to have a more direct role in health care in recent years in order to overcome challenges that have emerged from internal market dynamics, such as cross-border care issues. At this point, a strategic approach should be able to effectively manage this process in favor of citizens’ health through strategic planning and approaches guided by scientific information and collaboration.

Keywords

• European Union,health policy

References

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