The European Office, based in Brussels and London, is funded by the 10 Strategic Health Authorities and is part of the NHS Confederation.
The Office covers a wide range of EU policy and legislative developments which have implications for the NHS, with a dedicated section on the NHS Employers website also covering European employment policy issues. In addition we offer a range of opportunities for NHS organisations to engage with EU affairs, to access EU support for innovation and to get involved in our work.
Latest news
NHS Confederation Chief Executive lobbies Brussels
Mike Farrar and Ivan Ellul from the NHS Commissioning Board visited Brussels on Wednesday 1 February to develop a better understanding of the increasing implications for the NHS of EU affairs. The visit included meetings at the European Parliament with Malcolm Harbour MEP, Glenis Willmott MEP, and Linda McAvan MEP. Malcolm, as Chair of the Internal Market Committee, is leading on the revisions to the public procurement rules and was particularly interested in the Confederation's work on innovation in healthcare and the recent NHS Innovation Review. Mike and Ivan pressed Glenis, leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party, to revise the EU Clinical Trials Directive and discussed the recent PIP issue with Linda, who led for the Parliament on pharmacovigilance.
The day also included meetings with EUCOMED, the medical technology industry EU lobby. and HOPE, the European Hospital and Healthcare Federation, to discuss partnership working on EU affairs.
Reflecting the significant interest in NHS developments in Brussels Mike and Ivan met with the European Commissioner for Health John Dalli, who has overall responsibility for the Commission's work in healthcare. We also discussed NHS access to EU funding with senior advisor to the European Commissioner for Research and Innovation.
Finally, we met with Andy Lebrecht, the Deputy UK permament representative to the EU, who has responsibility for the UK negotiating position on proposals related to health, employment and social affairs amongst other areas. With the changes to the NHS it was agreed that having a coherant NHS voice in Europe was more important than ever. Find out how to engage with the NHS European Office.
New EU procurement rules propose special regime for health service contracts
The European Commission has now proposed new rules for public procurement in the EU. The rules are designed to streamline public purchasing and propose a special regime for health service contracts. See our public procurement page for more information.
EU to strengthen checks on mobility of health professionals
The European Commission has now published new proposals for the rules governing the movement of healthcare professionals across Europe. The proposals recognise stronger checks on the movement of European healthcare workers are necessary to protect NHS patients from unsafe practice. Read the new proposals now on the mobility of health professionals web page.
Report into Alzira model of integrated healthcare published
The NHS European Office has now published its report from the study visit to examine the Alzira model of integrated healthcare, from the Spanish region of Valencia. This Alzira model is an innovative approach to public-private partnership where a private provider receives a fixed annual sum to provide free, universal healthcare for a given population. Download the report here.
Negotiations to revise the Working Time Directive have begun! 
Employers and trade unions representatives at EU level have formally met for the first time to negotiate on a revision to the European Working Time Directive. The first negotiation meeting took place on 8 December. See our press release here and our NHS Employers pages for more information.
2012 EU public health funding call published
The European Commission has published its 2012 work plan under the EU Public Health Programme. This year’s work plan prioritises funding for projects promoting public health and provides a number of opportunities for NHS organisations to participate. Read how you can apply here.
HSJ coverage of EU law on cross-border healthcare
The Health Service Journal's Resource Centre featured an article by the NHS European Office on the implications for the NHS of the EU Directive on cross-border healthcare (1 September edition). Looking ahead to the Directive's implementation in 2013, the article gives an insight into the challenges and opportunities that may arise for NHS commissioners and providers. Access the article here and see our cross-border healthcare page for more information.
New EU Energy Efficiency Directive could cost millions
The European Parliament is to vote in February on proposals for a revised Energy Efficiency Directive, which could have significant implications for NHS organisations. The proposals place particular emphasis on public sector bodies, requiring them to renovate annually at least three per cent of their total floor area. Find out more here.