Health investments in Structural Funds 2000-2006: learning lessons to inform regions in the 2007-2013 period

Within the European Union in recent years there has been growing recognition of the importance of sustainable regional development and the contribution of health to achieving it. This means health development leading to growth in social and human capital and the multiplier effect this can have in contributing massively to economic growth. This is reflected in the EU’s Cohesion Policy and in the 2007-2013 round, Structural Funds explicitly included health sector investment, with an early emphasis on health infrastructure.

In the newer Member States and Convergence regions across Europe, governments, politicians and policy makers see SF as an important funding source for supporting the modernisation of health services. However, effective health investment needs to be well planned.

• Have public authorities invested in option appraisal to clearly inform investment planning and decisions? 

• Do public servants and hospital managers know how to use Structural Funds efficiently?

• Do they have enough data and evidence of the benefits of investments in health? 

• What are the main difficulties in applying for funding and managing structural funds in the health sector?

In this context EUREGIO III (EIII) project has been developed.