The European Union's (EU) Health and Consumer Protection Directorate General (DG) works with the 25 EU member states to protect and promote the health of the EU's citizens. The responsibility for public health is split between the member states and the EU. The EU directs the overall health policy; however, the delivery of health care is left up to the member states. The EU is advised on health policy by the EU Health Forum, a platform for organizations working in the health field to participate in health policy making.

The main goals of the EU's public health policy are to help EU countries develop expertise on health issues, to share best practices, and to improve coordination within the EU and thus make possible a rapid response ...