Challenges Facing Europe in the 21st Century
The Heterogeneity of Europe
The 27 Sovereign States of the EU are heterogeneous entities
Differing historical, economic, political and cultural trajectories
Important to embrace rather than deny these trends, as in order to make
informed strategic future decisions, it is imperative to understand the past
“History repeats itself – it has to – NOBODY LISTENS”
Disparities in terms of political systems and the formulation and
implementation of social and economic policy, including health
An ageing population
A potential decrease in the available skilled workforce in the health sector
A reconfiguration of health care financing, that will privilege the private and
voluntary sectors
“Austerity Europe” – rapid retrenchment in public sector financing for health
and social care: privatization by the back door
The long-term impact of the 2008/2009 global economic crisis
Too premature to determine what implications this has for future
health/social care