640 
A public consultation reveals European Union (EU) member states approve of a strategy to coordinate European health policies over the next decade.
They also expressed a desire for extended cooperation in health policies between themselves and the European Commission.
The strategy will set broad health objectives, promote health policies and tackle global health issues.
EU states welcomed the strategy objectives to address health threats, quality and safety in healthcare, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol, smoking and mental health.
They also called for enhanced coordination at EU and national levels and better coherence in healthcare policy making.
EU Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said: “There is widespread support in the health community for a strong and visionary European strategy on health.
“The EU is facing many new challenges which need to be tackled in a cooperative and coordinated way.”
He adds: “This positive response recognises the EU’s ability to support improvements in health across the EU and the recognition of Europe as a key player in health on the global stage.”
The commission is set to adopt the new health strategy later this year.
