Health policy, both internal and ex

Health policy, both internal and external, should be founded on clear values. The Commission has been working with Member States to define a value-based approach to healthcare systems. In June 2006 the Council adopted a statement on common values and principles in EU healthcare systems, listing the overarching values of universality, access to good quality care, equity and solidarity4. A new statement on common values for health policy in the broader sense will build on this. The Council has also invited the Commission to take into account and integrate the gender dimension5 which the Strategy will take forward.