From the 1st January to the 30 June 2012, Denmark will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU, with four overarching priorities: a responsible Europe; a dynamic Europe; A green Europe; a safe Europe. In the health field, the Danish presidency will prioritise six main issues.
-1 Action Programme in the Field of Health
In 2011, the European Commission presented its proposal for a new Framework Programme in the field of Health called Health For Growth.
The Danish Presidency plans to debate the proposal with Member States during its presidency.
-2 The EU’s Health Strategy
In 2013, the current EU Health Strategy will come to an end. As the health programme expires in 2013, the future of the strategy and the programme will be on the agenda during the Danish Presidency of the Council.
– 3 Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
The Danish Presidency aims to build on the results of previous presidencies, with a focus on promoting a more rational use of antibiotics and on strengthening and improving the surveillance of the use of and resistance to antibiotics. Denmark is also keen to reduce the use of antibiotics in humans and animals.
They will also follow up on the Commission’s strategy on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
– 4 Amendment of the Directive on Tobacco
The European Commission plans to release a proposal to revise the 2001 Tobacco Product Directive. Once released, the draft will be on the agenda of the Danish presidency for assessment with Member States.
– EPHA position on the revision of Tobacco Products Directive
– 5 Amendment of the Transparency Directive
In May 2011, the Commission completed a broad public consultation on the need for an amendment of the Transparency Directive. This is related to the pricing and reimbursement of medical products. When the European Commission publishes its revised proposal, this will be on the agenda of the Danish Presidency.
– 6 The Health Threats Package
The European Commission recently published its health security package that aims to ensure better coordination of crisis response of major cross border health threats. This will be discussed under the Danish presidency.
Navigating the Danish presidency
– Danish presidency portal
– Who is who
– Health priorities
– Calendar