Category Archives: Health Determinants: Lifestyle

Tobacco
Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Proposal)
Green Paper on promoting smoke-free areas in the European UnionArchives
Advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products (print media, radio, information society)
Manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products
Prevention of smoking
Ban on smoking in public places
Community Tobacco Fund: information programmes
Alcohol
European strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm
Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm (Council conclusions – 2001)
Drinking of alcohol by young people
Drinking and driving: Maximum authorised level of alcohol in the bloodArchives
Nutrition and physical activity
Healthy diet for a healthy life
Green Paper on promoting healthy diets and physical activityArchives
A Strategy for Europe on nutrition, overweight and obesity related health issues
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity
Nutrition and health
Mental health
Alzheimer’s and other dementias: European initiative
Green Paper on Mental HealthArchives
Community action in the field of mental healthArchives
Combating stigma and discrimination in relation to mental healthArchives
Combating stress and depression-related problems

Healthy diet for a healthy life

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Healthy diet for a healthy life

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Healthy diet for a healthy life

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > Health determinants: lifestyle

Healthy diet for a healthy life

Document or Iniciative

Commission Recommendation No 2010/250/EU of 28 April 2010 on the research joint programming initiative “A healthy diet for a healthy life”.

Summary

Through this Recommendation, the European Commission invites Member States to develop and implement a common strategy for the prevention of diet-related diseases.

What are the risks related to poor diet?

Overweight and obesity may lead to conditions such as:

  • cardiovascular disease;
  • hypertension;
  • type 2 diabetes;
  • strokes;
  • certain cancers;
  • musculo-skeletal disorders;
  • certain mental health conditions.

However, these risks could be reduced if individuals were to adopt healthy behaviour, particularly in terms of diet. If lifestyle risk factors were eliminated, around 80 % of cases of heart disease, strokes and type 2 diabetes, and 40 % of cancers, could be avoided.

Which measures are Member States invited to put in place?

In order for research in the area of diet-related diseases to be more effective, the Commission invites Member States to develop and implement a strategic research agenda based on a common approach to the prevention of diet-related diseases.

The agenda shall contain an implementation plan establishing priorities and timelines and the action, instruments and resources required.

The strategic research agenda and implementation plan shall include the following actions in particular:

  • identifying and exchanging information on relevant national programmes and research activities;
  • identifying areas or research activities that would benefit from coordination or joint calls for proposals or pooling of resources;
  • exchanging information, resources, best practices, methods and guidelines, while establishing clinical studies;
  • exporting and disseminating knowledge, innovation and interdisciplinary approaches;
  • creating a network between existing specialised centres.

Member States shall set up a common management structure to establish common conditions, rules and procedures for cooperation and coordination. They shall also monitor implementation of the strategic research agenda.

Context

Overweight and obesity have increased greatly among European Union citizens over the past three decades. This trend is becoming more pronounced with time. The Competitiveness Council which met on 3 December 2009 recognised the need to launch a joint programming initiative to be led by Member States and facilitated by the Commission.

Alzheimer’s and other dementias: European initiative

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Alzheimer’s and other dementias: European initiative

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Alzheimer’s and other dementias: European initiative

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > Health determinants: lifestyle

Alzheimer’s and other dementias: European initiative

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council of 22 July 2009 on a European initiative on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias [COM(2009) 380 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

This Communication lays down milestones for a European initiative on Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Definitions

Dementia is a neurodegenerative disease which affects mental ability such as memory, thinking and judgement, even causing a deterioration in personality.

The most common types of dementia are:

  • Alzheimer’s disease (50 to 70 % of cases);
  • dementia caused by successive strokes (30 % of cases);
  • Frontotemporal dementia;
  • Pick’s disease
  • Binswanger’s disease;
  • Lewy-Body dementia.

Obstacles

Obstacles hindering the introduction of a European initiative to combat forms of dementia involve:

  • the lack of prevention and early diagnosis of the disease;
  • the lack of epidemiological data which limits understanding of the mechanisms of the disease;
  • the lack of exchanges of good practices between Member States;
  • the image and negative impact of the disease on the population.

First objective: prevention and early diagnosis of the disease

Preventing the disease or making an early diagnosis can delay the development of the disease. However, these risk factors are not the same according to the different forms of dementia. It is, for example, easier to detect vascular dementia than Alzheimer’s disease since risk factors for vascular dementia are already well known:

  • high blood pressure;
  • high cholesterol levels;
  • smoking.

Member States already have avenues to explore regarding the development of effective prevention of the disease. In particular:

  • the promotion and stimulation of physical and mental activities throughout life;
  • the control of the vascular risk factors mentioned above.

In order to meet this objective of prevention and early diagnosis, Member States shall put in place the following actions:

  • promote cardiovascular health and physical activity;
  • produce recommendations to inform the public;
  • include older people in a flexible retirement regime to allow them to remain active.

Second objective: to improve epidemiological knowledge

The European Commission proposes to collect data on the impact of these diseases through the “European Collaboration on Dementia (EuroCoDe)” project. The framework of the “Health” programme may also be used to prepare new criteria for early diagnosis. The Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development (FP7) may also offer an effective research framework for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

It is also necessary to harmonise existing research frameworks both at European and national level in order to prepare coherent policies. To this end, actions include:

  • using the European Health Examination Survey to provide new Europe-wide data on the prevalence of people with early cognitive deficiencies;
  • launching a pilot Joint Programming approach to combat neurodegenerative diseases.

Third objective: exchange of good practices

Exchange of good practices may take place through the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) for social protection, social inclusion and long-term care. Moreover, the Commission may provide information on how ongoing Community programmes can finance these exchanges.

The OMC can help to define quality frameworks for medical and care services for people affected by the disease.

The European Union Disability Action Plan 2003-2010 (DAP) can also be used to support patients’ organisations.

Fourth objective: to respect patients’ rights

The Commission intends to establish a European Network for the protection of the rights and dignity of people with dementia. This Network would be responsible for working on issues related to the dignity, autonomy and social inclusion of patients.

Context

7.3 million Europeans between 30 and 99 years of age were suffering from dementia in 2006. According to the “Dementia in Europe Yearbook” report (2008) , the total direct and informal care costs of the disease amounted to EUR 130 billion for the European Union in 2005. Coordinated action at European level would reduce these figures and combat this major health problem.

A Strategy for Europe on nutrition, overweight and obesity related health issues

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A Strategy for Europe on nutrition, overweight and obesity related health issues

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about A Strategy for Europe on nutrition, overweight and obesity related health issues

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > Health determinants: lifestyle

A Strategy for Europe on nutrition, overweight and obesity related health issues

Document or Iniciative

White Paper of 30 May 2007, “A Strategy for Europe on Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity related health issues” [COM(2007) 279 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The purpose of this White Paper is to set out an integrated approach to contribute to reducing ill health due to poor nutrition, overweight and obesity.

In order to tackle this public health problem, the Commission is in favour of the mainstreaming of nutrition and consumption policies, including in the areas of sport, education and transport. It is also vital to take into account the socio-economic dimension of the problem, as it is disadvantaged groups who suffer most from obesity. According to the Commission, Community measures to tackle obesity must be based on four pillars:

  • a clear reduction in high-risk behaviours (poor nutrition, lack of physical exercise);
  • the actions described are intended to work across government policy areas and at different levels, using a range of instruments including legislation, public-private partnerships and dialogue with civil society;
  • the participation of the private sector, for example the agri-food industry and civil society, as well as local stakeholders;
  • the systematic evaluation and follow-up of these measures to find out what is working well.

A partnership-based approach

The Commission is promoting initiatives such as the European Platform for Action “Diet, Physical Activity and Health”, launched in March 2005. Over almost two years, the members of the Platform have started more than 200 initiatives to promote better nutrition and physical activity in the EU. Ideas based on the creation of a clear and reliable system to monitor undertakings and a local approach have been developed.

The involvement of local stakeholders (associations, SMEs) is one of the keys to the success of the strategy. In order to create a group dynamic, it is vital to create multilateral partnerships linking as many players as possible at all levels. The national authorities would be responsible for coordination, in order to ensure the relevance of the measures in the field of public health. The Member States would also be responsible for encouraging the media to take part in developing common messages and campaigns.

The Commission will create a high-level group on health, nutrition and physical exercise in order to promote the exchange of practices and improve links with governments. This group’s task will be to ensure that the Member States exchange ideas and good practices in all of their government policies. The European Platform will facilitate communication between the various sectors, and the mandate of the European network on nutrition will be extended to support the group’s work.

Better-informed consumers

Food and lifestyle preferences are often the product of the environment where a person grows up. In the light of this, the Commission would like to encourage three aspects:

  • improving information for consumers, in particular by way of nutritional labelling, the overhaul of which is currently being studied by the Commission. Another related aspect is that of the rules concerning claims made by the manufacturers of food products, in order to monitor the reliability of the scientific and nutritional information communicated by manufacturers;
  • promoting codes of conduct for advertising and marketing where the message is intended to influence eating habits, especially those of children;
  • developing specific education and information campaigns (e.g. on poor nutrition and overweight) for vulnerable groups, in cooperation with the Member States and the stakeholders concerned.

More accessible healthy food

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) can be used by the Commission to achieve its public health objectives. Reform of the common market organisation for fruit and vegetables is one of these tools: the Commission will encourage the distribution of surplus production to public educational establishments and children’s holiday centres. The Commission has other promotional tools at its disposal, thanks to reform of the common organisation of the market, such as campaigns targeting young consumers or the creation of a project to encourage the consumption of fruit at school, co-funded by the EU.

Encouraging physical activity

The Commission defines physical activity as a whole range of activities from organised sports to “active commuting” and wants the Member States and the EU to take proactive steps in this area, including steps relating to sustainable urban transport.

Priority groups and environments

Obesity is increasing significantly among children, particularly those from the most disadvantaged socio-economic groups. Nevertheless, local activities targeting children (0-12 years) in the areas of nutritional and physical education have proved to be effective. These two disciplines are thus priorities in the new Lifelong Learning Programme (2007-2013).

The role of research

Research plays a major role in combating obesity, so the Commission wishes to find out more about the determinants of food choices, in particular by way of the health and nutrition strand of the seventh EU research framework programme.

Monitoring policies

The Commission has decided to step up the monitoring of data on obesity and overweight at three main levels:

  • at macro level, to obtain coherent and comparable data on universal indicators of progress in the context of the European Community Health Indicators (ECHI) associated with diet and physical activity;
  • at Member State level, to assess the current activities and their impact;
  • at the level of the individual programmes.

The Commission would, however, like to point out that all the actions proposed will complement and support existing measures in the Member States.

Involvement of the private sector

Private-sector players can help to promote healthy eating habits among consumers, e.g.

  • by promoting healthy foods by making them more accessible and affordable: the food industry also has a role to play in adjusting the ingredients of its products (salt, fat and sugar content);
  • by informing consumers, retailers and enterprises and contributing to voluntary initiatives at national level;
  • by encouraging physical exercise. Sports organisations could work with the public health sector to create advertising and marketing campaigns to promote physical activity;
  • by targeting priority groups. An appropriate non-commercial partnership between schools and the private sector could be created. It would also be a good idea for companies to contribute to promoting healthy lifestyles among their staff at the workplace;
  • by copying good practices, in particular those of civil society organisations working in the fields of health, youth and sports whose methods have proved to be effective.

International cooperation

The Commission is currently collaborating with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to develop a nutrition and physical activity surveillance system for the EU27 as one of the follow-up actions of the European Charter on Counteracting Obesity adopted in Istanbul on 16 November 2006.

Drinking of alcohol by young people

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Drinking of alcohol by young people

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Drinking of alcohol by young people

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > Health determinants: lifestyle

Drinking of alcohol by young people

Document or Iniciative

Council Recommendation 2001/458/EC of 5 June 2001 on the drinking of alcohol by young people, in particular children and adolescents [Official Journal L 161 of 16.06.2001].

Summary

General approach

The purpose of the recommendation is to sensitise all levels of society to the dangers of alcohol abuse among young people, including manufacturers and retailers of alcoholic beverages, as well as parents. It also addresses the different aspects of the problem, from irregular binge-drinking to alcohol dependency among young people.

Via this recommendation, the Council encourages a common approach to this problem within the Community.

Strategies of the Member States

The recommendation lays down the basic criteria for the Member States’ strategies to address this problem. The main point is to sensitise all players and particularly young people to the problems linked with alcohol consumption and to develop health promotion tools. This approach focuses on the different areas concerned — schools, sport centres, youth movements, etc.

According to the recommendation, the key features of these strategies should be:

  • promote research into all the different aspects of problems associated with alcohol consumption by young people with a view to identifying and evaluating measures to deal with them;
  • ensure that general health promotion policies targeted at all the groups concerned (children, adolescents, parents, teachers, etc.) should include the alcohol issue;
  • foster a multisectoral approach to educating young people about alcohol involving, as appropriate, the education, health and youth services, law enforcement agencies, non-governmental organisations, the media, etc.;
  • encourage the production of advisory materials for children, adolescents and parents;
  • increase young people’s involvement in youth health-related policies and actions;
  • develop specific initiatives addressed to young people on the dangers of drink-driving;
  • take action as a matter of priority against the illegal sale of alcohol to under-age consumers.

Actions concerning the industry

In cooperation with the producers and the retailers of alcoholic beverages and relevant non-governmental organisations, the Member States are encouraged to establish effective mechanisms in the fields of promotion, marketing and retailing:

  • to ensure that producers do not produce alcoholic beverages specifically targeted at children and adolescents;
  • to ensure that alcoholic beverages are not designed or promoted to appeal to children and adolescents. Particular attention should be paid to the use of styles (motifs, colours, etc.) associated with “youth culture” , the images used, the promotion of ideas associated with alcohol consumption (implications of social success, sexual or athletic prowess, featuring of children in drink promotion campaigns and sponsoring of alcoholic drinks (sponsoring of sporting or musical events, sport merchandising, etc.);
  • to ensure the possibility of examining and recalling products which do not respect the principles mentioned above;
  • to develop, as appropriate, specific training for servers and sales persons;
  • allow manufacturers, promoters, etc. to get pre-launch advice;

The Commission’s role

In cooperation with the Member Sates, the Commission is invited to:

  • support the Member States in their efforts to implement this recommendation notably by providing relevant data and by facilitating the exchange of information and good practices;
  • promote further research at Community level on the attitudes and motivations of young people in regard of alcohol consumption and monitoring of ongoing developments;
  • make full use of all Community policies, particularly of the programme of action in the field of public health, in order to address the matters covered in this recommendation.

CONTEXT

Studies carried out in recent years in some Member States indicate disquieting changes in the drinking patterns of children and adolescents. The studies show an increase in binge drinking and heavy drinking among minors, a lowering of the age of first contact with alcohol and increasing consumption by young girls. This is a disturbing trend in view of the serious consequences of excessive alcohol consumption on the health of young people and on their social well-being.

Related Acts

Conclusions of the Council of 2 June 2004 on alcohol and young people [ ][not published in the Official Journal]
In these conclusions the Council reiterates those of 5 June 2001 on a Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm and invites the Commission to put forward proposals to this effect.

Conclusions of the Council of 5 June 2001 on a Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm [Official Journal C 175 of 20.06.2001]
In these conclusions, the Council calls for the development of a comprehensive Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm.

Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm

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Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > Health determinants: lifestyle

Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm (Council conclusions – 2001)

Document or Iniciative

Council Conclusions of 5 June 2001 on a Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm [Official Journal C 175 of 20.06.2001].

Summary

Alcohol-related harm

Scientific studies have clearly shown that alcohol consumption substantially increases the risk of all-cause mortality (liver cirrhosis, alcoholism, haemorrhagic stroke, foetal alcohol syndrome, etc.) and the level of alcohol-related morbidity in general.

Alcohol is also a major contributory factor in fatal road accidents and the direct cause of many accidents both in workplaces and at home.

Moreover, there is a close link between alcohol abuse and a large number of worrying social phenomena, such as marginalisation and social exclusion, domestic violence and disruption of the family unit, criminality, homelessness and mental disorders.

Increase in consumption

It has been shown that regular alcohol consumption is increasing, as is binge drinking among young people in some Member States. This is all the more cause for concern as there are strong links between an early start with regard to heavy alcohol consumption, substance abuse and criminality.

Framework for action

These Council Conclusions are in keeping with more wide-ranging initiatives launched at European level, namely:

  • the Community Health Strategy drawn up in 2000, which provides for, inter alia, the preparation and implementation of measures regarding lifestyle-related health determinants, such as alcohol;
  • the EU Drugs Strategy (2000-2004), which emphasises the need for measures addressing any form of addiction, including alcohol and tobacco consumption.

Lines of action and priorities of the future Community strategy

The Council calls for the development of a Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm. This strategy would comprise in particular the following elements:

  • continued collection of comparative and comprehensive information and creation of an effective monitoring system on alcohol consumption, alcohol-related harm and policy measures and their effects in the EU;
  • development of a range of coordinated Community activities in all relevant policy areas;
  • ensuring a high level of health protection in the definition and implementation of Community activities in fields such as research, consumer protection, transport, advertising, marketing, sponsorship and excise duties;
  • strengthened cooperation and exchange of knowledge between Member States;
  • international cooperation, in particular with the World Health Organisation.

The Commission is invited to put forward proposals for this comprehensive Community strategy, taking account of the above elements.

Related Acts

Communication from the Commission of 24 October 2006 “An EU strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol-related harm” [COM(2006) 625 final – Not published in the Official Journal].
The Communication sets out a European strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol-related harm. It identifies five priority themes, including reducing alcohol-related harm to children and young people, reducing the number of alcohol-related road fatalities and accidents, and awareness-raising campaigns. The Commission’s action will complement the national strategies in this field.

Council Conclusions of 1 and 2 June 2004 on alcohol and young people [Not published in the Official Journal].
In these Conclusions (p. 40)[PDF], the Council reiterates those of 5 June 2001 on a Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm and invites the Commission to put forward proposals to this effect.

Council Recommendation 2001/458/EC of 5 June 2001 on the drinking of alcohol by young people, in particular children and adolescents [Official Journal L 161 of 16.06.2001].
This recommendation calls for the development of a strategy to tackle the problems caused by alcohol abuse among children and adolescents.

European strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm

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European strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about European strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > Health determinants: lifestyle

European strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission of 24 October 2006, “An EU strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol-related harm” [COM(2006) 625 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

This strategy specifically targets the harmful and hazardous effects of alcohol consumption rather than the product itself. The objective is to reduce the damage caused by this kind of alcohol consumption, both in terms of health and the economic and social impact.

Five priorities

The strategy sets out five priorities with a view to reducing the harmful and hazardous effects of alcohol consumption in the European Union. For each of these it explains the rationale for action and highlights the good practices implemented by the Member States.

Protecting young people and children

Three aims will be pursued:

  • to curb underage drinking and reduce hazardous drinking among young people;
  • to reduce the harm suffered by children in families with alcohol-related problems;
  • to reduce exposure to alcohol during pregnancy.

Harmful alcohol consumption among young people can be effectively addressed by means of public policy. Examples of measures implemented by Member States are: restrictions on sales, availability and marketing which is considered likely to influence young people.

The alcoholic beverage industry and retailers can play an important role in this area.

Preventing drink-driving

Approximately one road accident in four is caused by alcohol. For young people, traffic accidents are the most common cause of death.

The risk of alcohol-related road traffic accidents increases in line with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the driver. For this reason, all Member States have taken measures to introduce BAC limits. Examples of good practices include the enforcement of frequent random breath testing, supported by education and awareness campaigns. Another example is the introduction of a lower or zero BAC limit for young drivers and also for public transport drivers and drivers of commercial vehicles.

Reducing alcohol-related harm among adults

The aims of the strategy are to:

  • decrease alcohol-related chronic physical and mental disorders;
  • decrease the number of alcohol-related deaths;
  • provide information to consumers so that they can make informed choices;
  • contribute to the reduction of alcohol-related harm at the workplace.

Harmful and hazardous alcohol consumption is one of the main causes of premature death among adults and also has a negative impact on worker productivity (e.g. through absenteeism).

A number of measures can prevent alcohol-related harm among adults and reduce the negative impacts in the workplace, including licence enforcement, server training, workplace-based interventions and campaigns promoting moderate consumption.

Raising awareness

The strategy is intended to raise awareness among EU citizens of the impacts of harmful and hazardous alcohol consumption on health, fitness for work and driving performance.

Measures which can achieve this objective include broad-based health education programmes, beginning in early childhood and ideally continuing throughout adolescence. This type of intervention can raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol and limit risk-inducing behaviour. Media campaigns, such as the Euro-Bob initiative aimed at preventing drink-driving, can also be used to this end.

Collecting reliable data

The Commission will compile and update statistics on alcohol consumption and on the impact of policy measures. The data will then be used to draw up and implement measures to tackle the effects of harmful and hazardous alcohol consumption.

Levels of action

National action

Alcohol is essentially an issue for the Member States and to be dealt with within the remit of their national policies. Most of them have put in place legislation and policies related to alcohol abuse. Moreover, in 2005, fifteen Member States reported that they had adopted national action plans, or had set up bodies for coordinating alcohol policy.

The range of measures implemented by Member States is very wide and includes initiatives such as education, information, traffic controls, the introduction of blood alcohol concentration limits, licences for selling alcoholic beverages and the setting of alcohol taxation levels.

Action by the European Commission

The Community’s role in this strategy is to complement Member States’ efforts, add value to their actions and deal with common issues that Member States cannot handle on their own.

Notably the Commission will take action by applying two Community programmes:

  • the Community action programme on public health (2007-2013);
  • the 7th Research Framework Programme (2007-2013), in particular under the Health theme of the proposed Specific Programme on “Cooperation”.

Coordination of actions at EU level

The Commission will seek to improve coherence between all policies that have an impact on action taken in relation to alcohol. It also intends to set up an Alcohol and Health Forum by June 2007, which will bring together experts from different stakeholder organisations, representatives from the Member States and the EU institutions. The Forum will support the implementation of the EU alcohol strategy.

The Commission will work with stakeholders to promote the responsible marketing of alcoholic beverages, particularly with regard to advertising. A further aim of this joint effort will be to reach an agreement with representatives from the sectors concerned (hospitality, producers, media, advertising, etc.) on a code of commercial communication implemented at national and EU levels. The Commission will also regularly monitor advertising practices and the impact of self-regulatory codes on young people’s drinking, as well as industry compliance with such codes.

Background

Excessive alcohol consumption is a real public health problem, causing an estimated 7.4 % of all health problems and early deaths in the EU. Young people are particularly at risk, as over 10 % of female mortality and around 25 % of male mortality in the 15-29 age group is related to hazardous alcohol consumption. Alcohol abuse among young people is increasing in the Member States, particularly with trends such as binge-drinking. A further 10 000 people are killed in alcohol-related road accidents each year.

This strategy forms part of the follow-up to two Council documents:

  • the conclusions of June 2001, in which the Council called for a comprehensive Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm;
  • the Recommendation of June 2001 on the drinking of alcohol by young people.

Manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products

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Manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > Health determinants: lifestyle

Manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products

Document or Iniciative

Directive 2001/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2001 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products [See amending act(s)].

Summary

This Directive aims to approximate the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning:

  • the maximum tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide yields of cigarettes;
  • the warnings regarding health and other information to appear on unit packets of tobacco products;
  • certain measures concerning the ingredients and the descriptions of tobacco products.

Cigarettes: maximum yields

The Directive lays down maximum tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide yields for cigarettes released for free circulation, marketed or manufactured in the Member States. These maximum yields are lower than those laid down by Directive 90/239/EEC concerning maximum tar yields and are extended to two other substances (nicotine and carbon monoxide).

From 1 January 2004, the maximum yields for cigarettes released for free circulation, marketed or manufactured in the Member States will be as follows:

  • 10 mg per cigarette for tar;
  • 1 mg per cigarette for nicotine;
  • 10 mg per cigarette for carbon monoxide.

As regards measurement methods, tests are carried out on the basis of standards specified by approved laboratories designated by the Member States. The information must be submitted on an annual basis to the competent authorities in the Member States, which will forward it to the European Commission.

The Member States must also disseminate this information to consumers, taking account of any information which constitutes a trade secret.

Labelling

With regard to labelling, this Directive lays down the following provisions:

  • Maximum yields: the information on the maximum yields for cigarettes must cover at least 10 % of the surface of the packet (12 % for a Member State with two official languages and 15 % for a Member State with three official languages). The Directive also specifies where this information is to be placed on the packet.
  • Warnings: there are two types of compulsory warning for all products (except for tobacco for oral use and other smokeless tobacco products):

    1. a general warning (“smoking kills/can kill” or “smoking seriously harms you and others around you”), which must cover not less than 30 % of the external area of the corresponding surface of the packet (32 % and 35 % for Member States with two or three official languages respectively);
    2. an additional warning (an annex to the Directive sets out a choice of such warnings), which must cover not less than 40 % of the external area of the corresponding surface of the packet (45 % and 50 % for Member States with two or three official languages respectively).
      As in the case of maximum yields, the Directive specifies where the warnings are to be placed on the packet and the text to be used. The Directive also defines the rules relating to the use of colour photographs or other illustrations aimed at explaining the health consequences of smoking. These rules must not block the smooth operation of the internal market.
  • Tobacco products for oral use and smokeless tobacco products: there are separate provisions for these two categories of products, i.e. the following warning: “This tobacco product can damage your health and is addictive.”
  • Product identification and traceability: the Directive provides for identification of the place and time of manufacture of the product by means of batch numbering or equivalent.

List of ingredients

Manufacturers and importers are required to submit to the Member States, on a yearly basis a list of all ingredients, and quantities thereof, used in the manufacture of tobacco products, together with toxicological data on their effects on health and any addictive effects. This list must be accompanied by a statement setting out the reasons for their inclusion. It must also be made public and be submitted to the Commission on a yearly basis.

Product descriptions

Since 30 September 2003, it is prohibited to describe a product as less harmful than another (by using names, figurative signs, etc.).

Tobacco for oral use

Member States shall prohibit the placing on the market of tobacco for oral use without prejudice to Article 151 of the Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden, which stipulates that the placing on the market in Sweden of tobacco for oral use may continue.

Effects on trade

As harmonisation and approximation of the rules relating to the internal market will lead to greater clarity and increased security for market operators, the overall economic effects are considered to be positive.

Implementation

The Directive provides for transitional periods for the application of its specific provisions (on maximum yields etc.). It also provides for a second transitional period in respect of the presentation and sale of products. In actual fact, products which do not comply with the provisions of the Directive may continue to be marketed for one year after the deadline for implementation in the Member States. For products other than cigarettes, the transitional period is increased to two years.

Adaptations of the Directive to scientific and technical progress will be taken into account by the Commission, assisted by a committee. The Commission will also be assisted by a group of experts for the control of tobacco, set up within its Advisory Committee on Cancer Prevention, particularly in connection with the preparation of a report on the application of the Directive.

Evaluation

Every two years, the Commission has to submit to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee a report on the application of the Directive.

References

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal

Directive 2001/37/EC

18.7.2001

30.9.2002

OJ L 194, 18.7.2001
Amending act(s) Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal

Regulation (EC) No 596/2009

7.8.2009

–

OJ L 188, 18.7.2009

The successive amendments and corrections to Directive 2001/37/EC have been incorporated into the basic text. This consolidated versionis of documentary value only.

Related Acts

Commission Decision 2003/641/EC of 5 September 2003 on the use of colour photographs or other illustrations as health warnings on tobacco packages [Official Journal L226, of10.09.2003].
This Decision establishes rules for the use, on cigarette packets, of colour photographs or other illustrations to depict the health consequences of smoking. It is a follow-up to Directive 2001/37/EC on tobacco products, which required an increase in the size of health warnings on packaging. However, the use of shock images in addition to warning messages is not mandatory.

Directive 2003/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products [Official Journal L 152 of 20.06.2003].
This Directive is designed to put a ban, at European Union level, on tobacco advertising in printed publications, in radio broadcasting and in information society services. It also bans the sponsorship of events which have a cross-border effect and seek to promote tobacco products.

Council Recommendation 2003/54/EC of 2 December 2002 on the prevention of smoking and on initiatives to improve tobacco control [Official Journal L 022 of 25.01.2003].
This Recommendation seeks to control the sale of tobacco to children and adolescents. It also aims to better inform the public of the health risks associated with tobacco in order to discourage smoking.

Combating stigma and discrimination in relation to mental health

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Combating stigma and discrimination in relation to mental health

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Combating stigma and discrimination in relation to mental health

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > Health determinants: lifestyle

Combating stigma and discrimination in relation to mental health

In these conclusions, the Council stresses the impact of problems associated with stigma and discrimination in relation to mental illness. Mental health problems may in fact increase the risk of social exclusion, and stigma and discrimination have an adverse effect on the course and outcome of the mental illness.
The Council thus calls for specific measures to improve social inclusion and to tackle discrimination and stigma.

Document or Iniciative

Conclusions of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council of 2/3 June 2003 on combating stigma and discrimination in relation to mental health.

Summary

Impact

Stigma in relation to mental illness has a negative impact on equality and social inclusion, and therefore has implications for health protection. There is evidence that stigma has a deleterious effect on the course and outcome of mental illness and on the quality of life of the persons affected and of their families.

Actions and awareness

It is important to promote effective actions across all relevant policies to increase social inclusion and equity and to combat discrimination and stigma. There is also a need to raise public awareness of the issue of mental health and the problems associated with stigma and discrimination in this area.

Integration and reintegration

Access to appropriate and effective treatment and to the labour market, education and other public services are essential factors in facilitating the integration and reintegration of people with mental illness into society.

Actions in the Member States

Member States are requested to:

  • give specific attention to the impact of stigma and discrimination-related problems due to mental illness in all age groups, and ensure that these problems are recognised, in this context giving special attention to the reduction of risks of social exclusion;
  • collect data on the health, economic and social consequences of stigma due to mental illness;
  • undertake action to combat stigma and promote social inclusion in active partnership and dialogue with all the stakeholders to encourage an integrated and coordinated approach.

Actions at Commission level

In order to reduce stigma and discrimination in relation to mental illness, the Commission is requested to:

  • give specific attention to active collaboration in all relevant Community policies and actions, and in particular in activities relating to employment, non-discrimination, social protection, education and health;
  • undertake activities to facilitate the exchange of information and mutual learning in the context of national policies to ensure health protection for people with mental health problems, giving special attention to combating stigma and discrimination and to promoting social inclusion for people with mental illness.

BACKGROUND

These conclusions follow on from the conference organised by the Council Presidency on “Mental Illness and Stigma in Europe: facing up the challenges of social inclusion and equity”, which was held in Athens from 27 to 29 March 2003.

The Council Conclusions are based on a series of measures directly or indirectly related to the issue of mental health, including:

  • the Council Resolution of 18 November 1999 on the promotion of mental health, which inter alia invited the Commission to consider incorporating activities on the theme of mental health in future action programmes for public health;
  • the Council Resolution of 29 June 2000 on action on health determinants;
  • the Council Conclusions of 5 June 2001 on a Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm, which underline the close link between alcohol abuse, social exclusion and mental illness;
  • the Council Conclusions of 15 November 2001 on combating stress and depression-related problems;
  • the Community action programme to combat discrimination (2001-2006) which emphasises inter alia the particular needs of people with disabilities;
  • the programme of Community action in the field of public health (2003-2008), which is intended to contribute to ensuring a high level of health protection and to tackling inequalities in this area.

Related Acts

Commission Green Paper of 14 October 2005, “Improving the mental health of the population. Towards a strategy on mental health for the European Union” [COM(2005) 484 final – Not published in the Official Journal].
In this Green Paper the Commission opens up the issue of mental health for wide debate. The aim is to launch public consultation on how to improve the management of mental illness and to promote mental well-being in the EU.

Council conclusions of 15 November 2001 on combating stress and depression-related problems [Official Journal C 006 of 09.01.2002].
These conclusions highlight the fact that stress and depression-related problems and their intergenerational transmission are of major importance to all age groups.

Council Resolution of 18 November 1999 on the promotion of mental health [Official Journal C 86 of 24.03.2000].
In its resolution, the Council called on the Commission to:

  • seek to include activities on mental health in the future programme of action on public health;
  • develop and implement measures on mental health as part of the Community system of health monitoring and draw up a report on mental health;
  • analyse the impact of Community activities in the field of mental health on sectors such as education, youth, social affairs and employment;
  • examine, after consultations with the Member States, the need to draw up a proposal for a Council recommendation on the promotion of mental health.

The Member States were also requested to take action in this field by promoting mental health and preventing mental illness, encouraging the exchange of best practice and information, promoting joint projects with other Member States, and furthering and supporting research into mental health and its promotion.

Combating stress and depression-related problems

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Combating stress and depression-related problems

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Combating stress and depression-related problems

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > Health determinants: lifestyle

Combating stress and depression-related problems

Document or Iniciative

Council conclusions of 15 November 2001 on combating stress and depression-related problems [Official Journal C 6 of 09.01.2002].

Summary

These conclusions tie in with the Council resolution of 18 November 1999 on the promotion of mental health, which invited the Commission to consider incorporating activities on the theme of mental health into a future public health action programme. Thus, the decision of 23 September 2002 adopting the public health action programme 2003-2008 emphasises that the overall aim of the programme is to contribute towards the attainment of a high level of physical and mental health and well-being. The programme also provides for the preparation and implementation of mental health strategies and measures through action on health determinants.

A widespread phenomenon

Stress and depression-related problems are of major importance to all age groups and are significant contributors to the burden of disease and loss of quality of life within the European Union.

Effects of stress and depression

The challenge is all the greater in that stress and depression-related problems are common and have an impact in numerous areas. Among other things, they cause human suffering, increase the risk of social exclusion and increase mortality. Also, their economic impact on society must not be overlooked.

Promotion and prevention

While there are effective methods to prevent stress and depression-related problems, there is a need to further develop research and methods for intervention, in order to promote mental health and to prevent stress and depression.

Mental health must be promoted through actions across all relevant policies and activities, particularly as regards stress and depression determinants. Likewise, strategies must be developed for tackling stress and depression-related problems.

Actions at Member State level

The Council invites the Member States to:

  • give due attention to the impact of stress and depression-related problems in all age groups and ensure that these problems are recognised; in this context, give special attention to the increasing problem of work-related stress and depression;
  • take actions to improve knowledge on the promotion of mental health and the prevention of stress and depression-related problems in primary care and other health services as well as in social services;
  • collect good quality data on stress and depression-related problems and share them with other Member States and the Commission;
  • develop, implement and evaluate actions to prevent stress and depression-related problems, and promote exchanges of good practice and joint projects within the Member States.

Actions at Commission level

The Council invites the Commission, in the context of the programmes of action in the field of public health, to:

  • facilitate the collection of comparable data on the characteristics, determinants and causes of stress and depression;
  • consider undertaking activities on the theme of stress and depression-related problems, such as facilitating exchange of information, experience, and good practices concerning recognition, prevention and monitoring of stress and depression-related problems;
  • consider opportunities to prevent stress and depression in the definition and implementation of relevant Community policies and activities intended to complement national policies;
  • consider developing strategies for the prevention of stress and depression-related problems.

Related Acts

STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION IN RELATION TO MENTAL HEALTH

Conclusions of the “Employment, social policy, health and consumer affairs” Council of 2 and 3 June 2003 on combating stigma and discrimination in relation to mental health.
With these conclusions, the Council emphasises the impact of stigma and discrimination in relation to mental health. The Council therefore calls for concrete actions to be taken in order to improve social inclusion and to combat the phenomena of stigma and discrimination.

PROMOTION OF MENTAL HEALTH

Council Resolution of 18 November 1999 on the promotion of mental health [Official Journal C 86 of 24.03.2000].

With this resolution the Council invited the Commission to:

  • consider incorporating activities on the theme of mental health into the future action programme for public health;
  • develop and implement, as a part of the Community health monitoring system, a component for mental health, and produce a report on mental health;
  • analyse the impact of Community activities on mental health, for example in the fields of education, youth policy, social affairs and employment;
  • consider, after consultation of the Member States, the need to draw up a proposal for a Council recommendation on the promotion of mental health.

The Member States were also invited to act in this field by promoting mental health and preventing mental illness, by promoting exchanges of good practice and joint projects with other Member States, and by stimulating and supporting research on mental health and its promotion.

Community action in the field of mental health

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Community action in the field of mental health

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Community action in the field of mental health

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Public health > Health determinants: lifestyle

Community action in the field of mental health

Mental health problems have a social, economic and structural impact on the welfare of the population as a whole. It is therefore necessary to provide information on mental health, promote its importance and pre-empt mental disorders through appropriate measures at Community level and in the Member States.

Document or Iniciative

Council conclusions of 3 June 2005 on a Community action in the field of mental health [Not published in the Official Journal]

Summary

These conclusions are a follow-up to the Ministerial Conference of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on mental health, entitled “Facing the Challenges, Building Solutions”, held in Helsinki from 12 to 15 January 2005.

They are based on a series of measures linked directly or indirectly with mental health, including the following:

  • the Council resolution of 18 November 1999 on the promotion of mental health;
  • the Council conclusions of 15 November 2001 on combating stress- and depression-related problems;
  • the Council conclusions of 2 June 2003 on combating stigma and discrimination in relation to mental health;
  • the programme of Community action in the field of public health (2003-2008), the aim of which is to help to ensure a high level of human health protection and remedy inequalities in the fields of health and mental health;
  • the Council conclusions of 5 June 2001 on a Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm and those of 2 June 2004 on alcohol and young people.

Priority activities

The Ministerial Conference of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on mental health highlighted the need to implement, at Member State level, a plan of action in the area of mental health, focusing on improving the well-being and functioning of the people affected.

The Council underlines the need to accord greater importance to the social, economic and structural impact of mental health. To do this, synergies should be nurtured between the plan of action and the results of projects funded under the current and future Community programmes in the field of public health.

The general public’s awareness of the importance of mental health issues and of the need to frame specific policies in this area should also be raised.

The Commission should be presenting, in the summer of 2005, a Green Paper on mental health, which will put forward information, promotion and prevention measures in this area.

Actions at Member State level

The Council calls on the Member States to:

  • focus on implementing the declaration and the plan of action adopted by the European Ministerial Conference of the WHO on mental health, while planning to devise appropriate measures over the long term;
  • take measures to collect reliable data on mental health and on the economic and social consequences of mental disorders;
  • adopt measures to implement holistic, integrated and effective mental health systems covering promotion, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, care and social reintegration;
  • continue the development of monitoring and evaluation tools that facilitate comparisons of the status of mental health between the Member States and of promotion and prevention practices;
  • make the best possible use of the relevant funding instruments, such as the Structural Funds and the PHARE programme, in order to meet specific needs in the area of mental health.

Actions at Commission level

The Commission is called upon to:

  • support the implementation of the declaration and the plan of action adopted by the European Ministerial Conference of the World Health Organisation on mental health;
  • ensure that the impact analysis of relevant future Community legislation takes mental health aspects on board;
  • emphasise the close links between mental health and physical health, as well as the links between mental disorders and drug and alcohol abuse;
  • pay special attention to people at vulnerable stages of life (children, young people and older people, in particular).

Related Acts

Commission Green Paper of 14 October 2005 “Improving the mental health of the population. Towards a strategy on mental health for the European Union” [COM(2005) 484 final – Not published in the Official Journal]

With this Green Paper, the Commission is launching a wide debate on mental health. The idea is to hold a public consultation on how to improve the management of mental illness and promote mental well-being in the European Union. The Green Paper proposes three main action areas at EU level:

1. Creating a dialogue with Member States on mental health

2. Launching an EU platform on mental health

3. Building up mental health information resources at EU level.

Conclusions of the “Employment, social policy, health and consumer affairs” Council of 2 and 3 June 2003 on combating stigma and discrimination in relation to mental health. In these conclusions, the Council stresses the impact of the stigma surrounding and the discrimination associated with mental illness. The Council therefore calls for concrete actions to be taken in order to improve social inclusion and combat stigma and discrimination.

Council conclusions of 15 November 2001 on combating stress- and depression-related problems [Official Journal C 6 of 09.01.2002]
In these conclusions, the Council calls for the implementation of actions to prevent stress and depression-related problems and to promote mental health.

Council Resolution of 18 November 1999 on the promotion of mental health [Official Journal C 86 of 24.03.2000]