Division 3.1 Issues of strategic importance

In line with the actions referred to in Article 2(2) of the Programme Decision, and the commitment in the EU health strategy^f1 to work across sectors for improving health, high preference will be given to actions that have significant European added value in the following areas:

• Contribution to:

  • improving the health of European citizens, as measured where possible by appropriate indictors, including the healthy life years indicator,

  • reducing health inequalities in and between EU Member States and regions,

  • building capacity for development and implementation of effective public health policies particularly in areas of high need;

• Involvement of new (non-traditional) actors for health in sustained, cooperative and ethically sound actions, both at regional or local level and across participating countries. This includes the public sector, the private sector and stakeholders among wider civil society whose primary aims are not limited to public health (for example among the youth, ethnic groups and other public interest spheres such as environment and sport).

Proposals should also demonstrate the evidence base and ability to provide measurable results where possible.

Proposals which meet the above mentioned criteria can be considered of exceptional utility. Applicants must be able to demonstrate how the proposed action will contribute to the abovementioned criteria.

Priorities are listed in sections corresponding to the strands referred to in the Programme Decision.