The European Union, economies and public health: not one without the other

Abstract

Objectives: In this article, we aim to discuss the historical and current challenges facing public health in the European Union (EU) and present opportunities for the EU and Member States to maintain national public health ownership, supported by more substantial EU-level approaches building on existing legislation and practice.

Study design: This is a descriptive study design.

Methods: A narrative review of the literature was performed and described.

Results: Historically, the EU has played only a small role in Member States' public health systems and delivery. The EU's policies primarily affect trade and overall economic decisions pertaining to Member States, with limited emphasis on the complex but essential interplay between economies and public health. In recent years, the public health challenges facing the EU, such as climate change, antimicrobial resistance, migrant health and now COVID-19, have become increasingly apparent.

Conclusions: To establish a healthier EU, the development of a European Health Union and the Health in All Policies approach of the EU and the World Health Organization must explicitly manifest itself in policies and actions.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus; Health policy; Public health.