Setting priorities for health in Europe

Background: In response to its increasing responsibilities in public health, the European Commission is undertaking an exercise to consult on priorities at a European level. The European Public Health Association has participated in this exercise. In the first stage of this process, national public health associations were asked to identify a series of priorities, taking into account specified criteria relating to European added value. This paper describes the lessons learned from that process. Methods: A standard questionnaire was developed and distributed by national societies to at least 30 public health professionals in each of the European Union member states. The responses were brought together by national representatives and discussed at a meeting which led to the production of an agreed list of ten priorities. Results: The composition and organisation of the national societies varies considerably. Consequently the approaches taken in each country varied widely. In general, the responses suggested that there was little debate at national level on the European dimension to public health. Important concepts were frequently interpreted differently, reflecting how issues are seen in each country. Conclusions: With greater European integration, it will be increasingly important for the public health community to be heard at a European level. To do so, it must speak with a unified voice.