Public health issues got its legal base in the EU in 1993, in order to contribute to the development and promotion of a high level of health, EU would work to encourage co-operation among Member States through joint action and incentive measures to prevent injuries, diseases and pollution.

The added value in the Community’s activities lies in the support for Member States’ efforts in their activities, assisting in formulation and implementation of:

• National and Europe-wide objectives and strategies contributing to the continuity of health protection provisions across the Community,
• Dissemination of "best practice information".
  

In September 2002, the Commission adopted a new programme of Community action in the field of public health.

The programme came into effect on 1 January 2003, and has three main areas of activity: improving health information, responding rapidly to health threats and tackling health determinants. It was proposed by the Commission on 16 May 2000 together with the Communication on the Health Strategy of the European Community. The Communication takes account of the review of the existing situation and recent legal and political developments.

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