February 12, 2007 OUR FUTURE IN A HEALTHY EUROPE Manifesto Compiled by 41 committed Bachelor students in European Public Health Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. Maastricht University The Netherlands Introduction On Tuesday December 5, 2006, we as the first batch of 41 students enrolled in the new Bachelor Programme European Public Health, at Maastricht University the Netherlands, were gathered together to learn about the ins and outs of the developments towards an overarching EU health strategy. First, we were presented with an interactive lecture by Dr. Hans Stein that provided an overview of the value, processing and achievements of health within the EU in the past, eventually arriving at the actual and present situation. A tangible situational analysis was portrayed to the students, pinpointing towards the current consultation process by the Commission on plans for a new EU Health Strategy. After that, students were given the assignment to collectively visualize a European Union in the year 2030, being the moment in the future in which we are able to professionally contribute to Europe and health in Europe; a moment in time when our offspring will be European citizens. During three interrelated and succeeding assignments all geared towards a Europe and health in Europe in the year 2030, we activated our thoughts and ideas, by working in small work groups, holding discussions and brainstorming, on how a future and ideal Europe and European health should be shaped and formed. Finally, all the results were presented, discussed and disputed plenary. Based on the outcomes of these educational activities we compiled this manifesto, entitled: OUR FUTURE IN A HEALTHY EUROPE. This Manifesto, complied from and by 41 European Public Health students, is submitted to the Commission as input for the consultation process for a new EU Health Strategy. We are aware that the manifesto is not directly based as such on the discussion document as launched by the Commission; it is merely a strong expression of our commitment and involvement as advocated by the European Public Health students, both committed to Europe in general and to the future development of the Public Health agenda of the Commission. Maastricht, February 9, 2007.
OUR FUTURE IN A HEALTHY EUROPE Manifesto compiled by 41 committed Bachelor of European Public Health students Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. Maastricht University Future Society Thinking about a future European society, we stress to seek for a balance between environment, economy and human action. An important goal is to develop a sustainable successful future for European industry, labour market and a healthy environment. Striving towards a disease free Europe would be one of the greatest victories to achieve in the field of public Health. To attain the goals for this future society the development of innovative, sustainable energy sources could be a utilised. We argue that there is a need to abolish and robotize, dirty and dangerous work to improve the health and well being of humans, and finally, to invent and design new vaccinations and cures against communicable diseases. Solidarity, Social Justice and Equity We interpret solidarity, social justice and equity in a European context to strengthen the new member states. In the EU every member state should provide equivalent changes and should be included in the process of making Europe s present and future. An equivalent and enhanced social security system is instrumental if we are to be involved and to participate as a citizen of tomorrow s Europe. Each citizen has the same chance with respect to economic growth and their job, payment and education. Communication within EU To propel easier communication and improved exchange of information and better understanding requires, in our opinion, the decision to launch English as the official language both at a European level as well as the second official language in each member state. Due to the impossibility of establishing a new language, we recommended reverting to English as the official language and that language education given a high priority. Social and Cultural Relations We argue for a future Europe without discrimination and intolerance. In our view, education on the cultural heritage of member states in all the European countries could foster the accomplishment of this goal. The acceptance and tolerance regarding different religions and cultures must be improved for both insiders and outsiders; we recommend strengthening the exchange of and education about the different religions and cultures throughout Europe. Fundamentally, we perceive the freedom of speech within our world. Everybody must be allowed to express his/her thoughts without being afraid of retaliation. Finally, we argue that there is the need for stronger laws and agencies against discrimination and racism. Health and Health Care The efforts in the health care sector proceed in the direction of a unified and harmonised health care system. Health and health care without borders could be the caption for this goal. One step to reach this goal, is the European health care chip that would simplify the border crossing provision of services and enables that information are available to all health care providers. A similar education standard for health care workers and identical prices and regulations in the health care sector in Europe would lead to equivalent (good) standards for both, patients and workers. In addition, a basic insurance for all Europeans would assimilate the costs being spent on health services by European citizens. Europe as a Governmental and Political Unity: The political development within Europe should proceed from a more or less incoherent confederation to the United States of Europe, a compact union of European sub - states. This union is characterized by a European parliament and government with increased power, a continent without borders and citizens that think European. Means that would help to reach the goal would be European parties that are independent from the parties in the national states and the continued spreading of the Euro in whole Europe. To include the European citizen in this process more referenda on a European scale/ topics are necessary. This would on the other hand promote more transparency in institutions and processes in Brussels.
In order to profit from the European development on a basis and noticeable level a closer communication and collaboration between member states governments on local and regional cross border issues is desirable. Overcoming the European citizen s lack of interest in Europe a promotion of advantages of European entity and union is needed. Unity and Diversity Even if Europe should become a real union, we should not forget all the individual cultures and traditions of the countries surrounding us. We don t want a uniform Europe; we want a Europe where diversity works! We want to keep the regional cultures alive, they must be protected. Where would Europe end if the Netherlands lost the Sinterklaas or if Greek children were no longer permitted to celebrate their name day anymore? Every culture in Europe has its individual, wonderful characteristics, which should not be negated. We live on a continent of many nations with an enormous variety of cultures and mentalities on a national and even a regional level and we should not forget that. Politicians as well as individuals should respect and tolerate these differences and should be eager to learn more about them. On the other hand, everyone should be aware that he/she is part of the EU. We want a European consciousness, a European identity, our own spirit - but we don t want to be another version of the US! Europe must be seen as one: everyone should learn in school about Europe s history and the history of the different countries, differences and similarities in languages and we want to learn more about the different cultures and also religions! To find a way as one, as a whole Europe, we first have to know were we come from. Our Contribution What can we do as individuals? Even though it often seems we have limited means of making a contribution towards change in Europe, we can do more than we might expect. There are many small things one may not think of, that will make a significant change! Starting with the way we think: Instead of just thinking of individual matters, start thinking European! And once this is done, take local actions. We should start by thinking positively and openly about the changes that lay ahead of us, but we must remain realistic and strive to become critical thinkers in a country like Europe. We should be motivated to do something for Europe. We want to broaden the European mind, want to promote the European thought process. And we don t want to think only about ourselves! There is so much to see in Europe, so much we might not yet have seen. We want to be a part of that: We want to be Eurotrotters, discovering the differences surrounding us, other countries and cultures. Everyone can do that, by starting to show an interest in other people, being open to learning other languages, being aware that tolerance is a prerequisite if we are to survive as Europeans. Everyone can start this by teaching his or her own children to respect others and make them see that diversity is something really exciting. Educate your children as Europeans! We re breaking down walls between countries; we already did, by being excited to study in a foreign country. We start working with people across borders. All these small steps let us contribute to a European unity. The next step is to stop being a passive and becoming an active European citizen! Raise your voice, approach politicians and use your vote during elections, not just talk about how bad conditions are. Change something! Be politically active, believe in Europe and support the network of European news, newspaper, radio, TV, the communication between countries. And to achieve a healthy, well working Europe, we should put priorities to a sustainable Europe: Education should be available to everyone and awareness of public health should increase. We, as students of public health, want to promote health across Europe; we aim at equal health care within the countries and we want to live in a friendly environment, so that future generations can live healthy as well! We do not just want to talk about European awareness, we also want to be Europeans!
This paper represents the views of its author on the subject. These views have not been adopted or in any way approved by the Commission and should not be relied upon as a statement of the Commission's or Health & Consumer Protection DG's views. The European Commission does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this paper, nor does it accept responsibility for any use made thereof.