Division 1.1 Policy and legal context

Decision No 1350/2007/EC (hereinafter referred to as ‘Programme Decision’) established the second programme of Community action in the field of health (2008-2013), hereinafter referred to as ‘second Health Programme’.

This replaces the previous Programme of Community action in the field of public health (2003-2008)^f1 which laid down the foundations for a comprehensive and coherent approach to public health at EU level contributing to promote a high level of health and well-being throughout the Community. Besides other actions, 329 projects have been selected for financing from the Call for proposals under this programme^f2.

The second Health Programme is intended to complement, support and add value to the policies of the Member States and contribute to increased solidarity and prosperity in the European Union. The Programme's objectives are to improve citizens' health security; to promote health, including the reduction of health inequalities and to generate and disseminate health information and knowledge.

In Article 8(1) of the Programme Decision it is stated that the Commission shall adopt:

1. (a)

   the annual work plan for the implementation of the Programme, setting out:

   1. (i)

      priorities and actions to be undertaken, including the allocation of financial resources;

   2. (ii)

      criteria for the percentage of Community financial contribution, including criteria for assessing whether or not exceptional utility applies;

   3. (iii)

      the arrangements for implementing the joint strategies and actions referred to in Article 9;

2. (b)

   selection, award and other criteria for financial contributions to the actions of the Programme in accordance with Article 4.

According to Article 75 of the Financial Regulation (FR) applicable to the general budget of the European Communities^f3, the commitment of the expenditure should be preceded by a financing decision adopted by the institution or the authorities to which powers have been delegated by the institution. According to Article 90 of the detailed rules for the implementation of the Financial Regulation (IR), the decision adopting the annual work programme referred to in Article 110 of the FR, may be considered to be the financing decision provided that this constitutes a sufficiently detailed framework. This document aims to fulfil those obligations and present the different activities scheduled for 2008.

The Public Health Executive Agency (PHEA) is expected to carry out all the operations necessary for the management of the work plan 2008, in particular those linked to the awards of contracts and grants, provided the Commission decides to extend the duration of its lifetime in accordance with the provisions of Council Regulation No 58/2003/EC^f4.