Improving health and safety at work: EU conclusions

Brussels [ENA] The Council today, 10 December 2019, adopted conclusions inviting the Commission to present a new EU strategic framework on occupational safety and health (OSH) at work for 2021-2027 and offering the Council’s input into that strategic framework. The conclusions recognise that some positive results have been achieved, as many member states have adopted national action plans based on the existing framework.

The Council held a debate on 'Economy of Wellbeing – next steps in investing in health as its key component', based on a discussion paper. Ministers exchanged views on health-related topics, in particular mental health, healthy ageing and the digital transformation of health and social services. The Commission, the member states and social partners are invited to intensify their efforts in the area of the changing world of work, including on psychological risks, work-related accidents and diseases and the inclusion of disabled and older workers.

Based on a presidency note, ministers also held a debate on how to strengthen cooperation and coordination with the aim of improving access to medicines throughout the EU. "This debate was extremely important because shortages of medicines pose serious risks to patient safety. We also have to see how to deal with the different levels of access to new medicines across the EU. Cooperation and coordination are key, as these challenges require measures both at EU and national level." Quote by Krista Kiuru, Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services of Finland.

Any other business: ° The presidency informed ministers about the current work on the Regulation on health technology assessment and amending Directive 2011/24/EU ° The Commission provided information about the state of health in the EU ° The Commission also provided information on the state of play of the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices and of Regulation (EU) 2017/746 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices ° Ministers were briefed on the outcomes of conferences organised by the Finnish presidency ° The incoming Croatian presidency presented its work programme in the area of Health