Third programme for the Union's action in the field of health (2014-2020)

The European Parliament adopted by 576 votes to 33 with 39 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Health for Growth Programme, the third multi-annual programme of EU action in the field of health for the period 2014-2020.

Parliament adopted its position in first reading following the ordinary legislative procedure. The amendments adopted in plenary are the result of a compromise agreement between Parliament and Council. They amend the proposal as follows:

Title: the title of the programme has been amended so as to delete the words ‘health for growth’ and insert in its place a third Programme for the Union's action in the field of health (2014-2020). The new regulation will repeal Decision No 1350/2007/EC.

General objectives: it is specified that the general objectives of the Programme shall be to complement, support to the policies of the Member States to improve the health of Union citizens and reduce health inequalities by:

·        encouraging innovation in health,

·        increasing the sustainability of health systems and

·        protecting Union citizens from serious cross-border health threats,

as well as add value to the policies of the Member States.

Programme actions: actions have been redefined. These must now be aimed at:

·        health promotion and disease prevention and fostering supportive environments for healthy lifestyles (exchange of good practice): this objective shall be measured, in particular, through the increase in the number of Member States involved in health promotion and disease prevention, using evidence-based and good practices through measures and actions taken at the appropriate level in Member States;

·        protecting Union citizens from serious cross-border health threats by developing  coherent approaches for better preparedness and coordination in health emergencies. This objective shall be measured through the increase in the number of Member States integrating coherent approaches in the design of their preparedness plans;

·        supporting public health capacity-building and contribute to innovative, efficient and sustainable health systems by developing tools at Union level to address shortages of resources, both human and financial, and facilitate the voluntary uptake of innovations in public health intervention. This objective shall be measured, through the increase in the advice produced and the number of Member States using the tools and mechanisms identified;

·        facilitating access to better and safer healthcare for Union citizens by increasing access to medical expertise, facilitate the application of the results of research and develop tools for the improvement of healthcare quality and patient safety through, actions contributing to the improvement of health literacy. This objective shall be measured, in particular, through the increase in the number of healthcare providers and centres of expertise joining European reference networks,

The specific objectives shall be achieved through actions in line with the thematic priorities listed in Annex I and implemented via the annual work programmes.

Funding: the financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020 shall be EUR 449 394 000 in current prices.

Types of intervention: this shall take the form of grants, public procurement or any other form of intervention necessary for achieving the objectives of the Programme. Grants may be awarded to fund actions having a clear Union added value co-financed by the competent authorities that are responsible for health in the Member States or in the third countries participating in the Programme if exceptional utility is achieved. This will be the case where at least 30 % of the budget of the proposed action is allocated to Member States whose GNI per inhabitant is less than 90 % of the Union average; and bodies from at least 14 participating countries participate in the action, out of which at least four are countries whose GNI per inhabitant is less than 90 % of the Union average.

Annual work programmes: the Commission shall implement the Programme by establishing annual work programmes adopted by means of implementing acts. These annual work programmes which shall set out, in particular, actions to be undertaken, including the indicative allocation of financial resources.

Mid-term evaluation: half way through the duration of the Programme, but not later than 30 June 2017, the Commission shall draw up and a mid-term evaluation report on the achievement of the objectives of the Programme. The report shall, additionally, address the scope for simplification, the internal and external coherence of the Programme, and the continued relevance of all objectives.

Where the mid-term evaluation report identifies that one or more thematic priorities cannot be implemented and achieved in line with the objectives of the Programme and within the duration of the Programme, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt, by 31 August 2017, delegated acts in order to remove the thematic priority or priorities concerned from Annex I or add new thematic priorities.

Annexes: Annex I has been amended to put in new thematic priorities mentioned in the text. A new Annex II sets out the criteria for establishing annual work programmes.