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
Lords debate impact of EU on the NHS
A recent House of Lords debate saw peers debating several recent EU
developments that have impacted on the NHS including: the Working Time Directive, professional mobility, energy efficiency, the Cross-border Healthcare Directive and the Clinical Trials Directive. Our NHS European Office heavily influenced the debate in advance, drawing on its work to date and expertise on the topic areas. Read Hansard.
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 January 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.
European Office speaks at Annual Conference session on EU Competition Law
The Director of the NHS European Office presented at a hub session hosted by leading law firm Browne Jacobson LLP at the NHS Confederation's Annual Conference in Manchester. The session looked at the application of EU competition and procurement law in the NHS, and in particular the extent to which traditional state funded healthcare providers were subject to these rules. View the slides now on the competition law web page.