Every citizen is a consumer and the European Union takes great care to protect their health, safety and economic well-being. It promotes their rights to information and education, takes steps to help them safeguard their interests, and encourages them to set up and run self-help consumer associations. Protecting the environment is essential for the quality of life of current and future generations. The EU’s priorities are combating climate change, protecting biodiversity, reducing the impact of pollution on health and better use of natural resources. High environmental standards stimulate innovation and business opportunities, so that there is no contradiction between protecting our environment and our continued economic wellbeing.
Health is a priority for Europeans, and therefore for the European Union. We expect to be protected against illness and disease. We want to bring up our children in a healthy environment. We are entitled to a safe and hygienic workplace. When travelling within the European Union, we need access to reliable and high-quality health advice and assistance.
The Renewed EU Sustainable Development Strategy was adopted by the European Council in June 2006. It is an overarching strategy for all EU policies which sets out how we can meet the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The Sustainable Development Strategy deals in an integrated way with economic, environmental and social issues and lists the following seven key challenges:
Aids - Remember me?
740,000 people in the EU today have HIV/AIDS. One in three is unaware they have it. There is a rise of new infections in the EU and neighbouring countries. An EU survey reveals that in Europe less and less people know how the disease is transmitted and take the necessary precautions. Condoms are the best way to protect against HIV as well as other sexually-transmitted diseases such as herpes and condylomas. HIV is transmitted via mucus, wounds, used syringes and bodily fluids. Of these bodily fluids only 5 carry the disease from one person to another: blood, sperm, pre-seminal male secretions, vaginal secretions, and mother's milk.
50 years of protecting Europe's Environment.
Global Warming
In its response to the global warning against global warming the EU proposes to cut its CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020. We know how to do it and the EU can afford to do it: cleaner technologies, carbon emissions trading and boosting renewable energies. In its proposal the EU sets out how much each country in the EU will have to do according to its financial ability. The measures will foster innovation, create new jobs in new technologies, strengthen EU's energy security and provide a competitive advantage for its industries.
Psychosocial Support
The European Commission Humanitarian Aid department is funding agencies that work with children and their parents affected by the trauma of war.
For a smoke-free Europe
Nine out of ten Europeans would like smoke-free offices and public places, according to the latest EU survey on tobacco. But in spite of this vast and united front against smoking, 15% of deaths in Europe are still smoke related. The EU is therefore stepping into the lead in the fight against tobacco. A key element in the campaign is Help: for a life without tobacco, one of the largest public health awareness initiatives ever launched.
Healthcare without borders
High-quality health services are a priority issue for European citizens. Rights to healthcare are also recognised in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. Health systems and health policies across the EU are becoming more interconnected than ever in the past.
RFID: the future begins now!
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that allows automatic identification and data collection through radio frequencies. RFID technology allows to follow products from production t... Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that allows automatic identification and data collection through radio frequencies. RFID technology allows to follow products from production to consumer, to track lost luggage, identify real from counterfait medicines and much more.
EU Health Insurance Card
The European health insurance card provides proof of European citizens' entitlement to health insurance. Today, more than 172 million citizens have the card in their pocket. It is free and facilitates access to medical treatment when travelling in another Member State, whether for a weekend trip, holidays, education, a training course or for business purposes.