EU jargon can be baffling for those not familiar with the processes and instruments. Here EPHA profiles the different instruments which form part of the policy making process. This article focuses on stakeholder groups and is part of a series articles on : regulations, directives, decisions, recommendations and opinions.
In the framework of the EU health strategy, the Commission has set up a number of groups and structures to help citizens, interest groups and organisations take an active part in EU activities in the field of health. Named stakeholders, these people or groups have a direct interest in modifying or influencing the European policies. The European Commission benefits from their feedback, comments and suggestions for future strategies and actions and sees them as a tool for a enhanced reality check.
The Commission encourages all stakeholder groups, regional and local organisations to get involved in the development and implementation of actions to protect and improve the health of European citizens. It favours a civil dialogue and promotes transparency in the work of the Commission.
There is no official list of stakeholder groups, however, the most notable groups in the field of health are the “EU platform for diet, physical activity and health”, the “EU Alcohol and Health Forum” and the “EU Health Forum”.
The stakeholder groups meet in general meetings and in working groups,; they are sometimes supported by “sherpas” who focus on the actions that conclude the strategy defined by the stakeholder group. They express publicly their opinion by means of position papers, opinions and presentations.
EPHA is a member of several stakeholder groups.