To EUPHA Executive Committee

EU Directives and Health Considerations

The Norwegian Society of Public Health (NSPH) is of the opinion that health concerns, in general, are not enough prioritised in EU directives.that is not strongly health directives (as f.x. BSE). In addition, it seems that the Health division of the EU is unable to exert sufficient influence as compared with other sectors.

NSPH also refer to Article 152 of the treaty of European Union: “A high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Community policies and activities…..”

In order to protect people's health and to improve public health in Europe, such health considerations should be an essential part of EU directives.

For example, the Norwegian Society of Public Health has been informed that a new EU directive concerning industrial noise pollution has been submitted for hearing among members of EU/ EEA (500PC0468 Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to the Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise). This directive advocates no maximum noise limits during the day and night, as a minimum requirement for member countries and associated countries like Norway. Although it also is positive elements in the proposal (noise mapping), in practical, this means that little health considerations are included, and that the directive cannot be used for health issues. It is consensus about noise as a health problem for many European citizens.

What can EUPHA do in order to better include/implement public health considerations? How can EUPHA's work ensure that these considerations are systematically included in EU directives?

The Norwegian Society of Public Health hereby requests, EUPHA through its organs and contacts to ensure the implementation of health concerns within new or revised EU directives that will protect and improve public health in our countries.

We request the Executive Committee, to vote for a statement in support of this crucial issue. In addition such a resolution maybe also will strengthen EUPHA´s position and influence within EU/EEA/European Health Forum.

Proposal for EUPHA resolution:

The European Public Health Association (EUPHA) is of the opinion that health concerns, in general, are not enough prioritised in EU directives. In addition, it seems that the Health division of the EU is unable to exert sufficient influence as compared with other sectors.

EUPHA also refer to Article 152 of the treaty of European Union: “A high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Community policies and activities…..”

In order to protect people's health and to improve public health in Europe, such health considerations should be an essential part of EU directives.

For example, EUPHA has been informed that a new EU directive concerning industrial noise pollution has been submitted for hearing among members of EU/ EEA (500PC0468 Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to the Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise). This directive advocates no maximum noise limits during the day and night, as a minimum requirement for member countries and associated countries. Although it also is positive elements in the proposal (noise mapping), in practical, this means that little health considerations are included, and that the directive cannot be used for health issues. It is consensus about noise as a health problem for many European citizens.

EUPHA request EU to strengthen its work to systematically implement public health considerations also in future EU directives that is not straight health issues. Primary intervention from all sectors is very important to better health conditions and reduce health costs throughout Europe.

For Board of Norwegian Society of Public Health

(sign) (sign) (sign)

Gunnar Tellnes Frank Thrana Kristian Hagestad

Chairman Vice- Chairman Member of Board

Professor Public Health (Chief Medical Officer Public Health, (Chief Medical Officer

University of Oslo Hellerud Urban District, Oslo City) Vest-Agder County)

Tlf +4790892716