Third programme for the Union's action in the field of health (2014-2020)
PURPOSE: to establish a third Programme for the Union's action in the field of health for the period 2014-2020.
LEGISLATIVE ACT: Regulation (EU) No 282/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of a third Programme for the Union's action in the field of health for the period 2014-2020.
CONTENT: in the framework of the new programme period 2014-2020, the European Parliament and the Council have established a third Programme for the Union's action in the field of health.
General objectives: the Programme shall have the general objectives to complement and support the policies of the Member States to improve the health of Union citizens and reduce health inequalities, by:
· promoting health,
· encouraging innovation in health,
· increasing the sustainability of health systems
· protecting Union citizens from serious cross-border health threats, as well as adding value to these policies.
Programme actions: the actions would be intended to:
1. promote health, prevent diseases, and foster supportive environments for healthy lifestyles (census of good practices): the realisation of this objective shall be measured 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;
2. protect Union citizens from serious cross-border health threats (the development of coherent approaches for better preparedness and coordination in health emergencies in particular): the realisation of this objective shall be measured through the increase in the number of Member States integrating coherent approaches in the design of their preparedness plans;
3. support public health capacity-building and contribute to innovative, efficient and sustainable health systems (developing tools, at Union level, to address shortages of resources, and to facilitate the voluntary uptake of innovations in public health intervention): the realisation of this objective shall be measured through the increase in the advice produced and the number of Member States using the tools and mechanisms identified;
4. facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for Union citizens by increasing access, beyond national borders, to medical expertise and information for specific conditions: the realisation of this objective shall be measured through the increase in the number of European reference networks and centres of expertise joining European reference networks.
These actions should conform to the thematic priorities listed in the Regulation Annex and established within the framework of the annula work programmes.
Financial envelope: 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 interventions: the Regulation lists the types of intervention possible under the programme. It is particularly foreseen that for the actions having a clear Union added value and co-financed by the competent authorities that are responsible for health in the Member States or in the third countries, detailed rules for intervention are planned, if the actions have a character of exceptional utility. Exceptional utility is achieved 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, with at least 14 countries participating in the said action. It should be noted that grants paid by the Union should not exceed 60 % of eligible costs for an action relating to an objective of the Programme or for the functioning of a non-governmental body. In cases of exceptional utility, the contribution by the Union may be up to 80 % of eligible costs.
Annual work programmes: the Commission shall be responsible for implementing the Programme and establishing annual work programmes by means of implementing acts. The annual work programmes shall set out the actions to be undertaken, including the indicative allocation of financial resources.
Administrative and technical assistance: the financial envelope for the Programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities required directly for the management of the Programme and the achievement of its objectives..
Participation of third countries: the programme is open to the participation of third countries subject to the terms outlined in the Regulation.
Methods of implementation: the Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of the Programme. It will deliver the Programme by means of annual work programmes which set out the actions to be undertaken, including the indicative allocation of financial resources.
Consistency and complementarity with other policies: the Commission shall, in cooperation with the Member States, ensure overall consistency and complementarity between the Programme and other policies, instruments and actions of the Union.
Monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of results: the conventional methods of control, monitoring, evaluation, dissemination of results and anti-fraud measures are set out in the Regulation.
The Commission should, in close cooperation with the Member States, monitor the implementation of the actions under the Programme in the light of its objectives and indicators, and shall keep the European Parliament and the Council informed.
Mid-term evaluation report: half way through the duration of the Programme, but not later than 30 June 2017, the Commission shall draw up and present to the European Parliament and to the Council a mid-term evaluation report on the achievement of the objectives of the Programme. The mid-term evaluation report shall, additionally, address the scope for simplification, the internal and external coherence of the Programme, as well as 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 accordance with Article 18 in order to remove the thematic priority concerned or to add new ones.
Annexes: Annex I provides thematic priorities for the implementation of the programme; and Annex II details the criteria for the preparation of the annual work programmes.
Repeal: Decision No 1350/2007/ECshall be repealed with effect from 1 January 2014.
ENTRY INTO FORCE: 22.03.2014. The Regulation shall apply from 1 January 2014.
DELEGATED ACTS: the Commission may adopt delegated acts with regard to the adaptation of the Programme following the conclusions of the mid-term evaluation report. The European Parliament or the Council may raise objections in regard to a delegated act within two months of notification of that act (this period may be extended by two months). If the European Parliament or the Council make objections, the delegated act will not enter into force.