European Union: social, health and gender equality issues
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is in charge of its own sectoral matters in the EU in terms of preparation, follow-up, defining Finland’s standpoint, drafting EU legislation and implementing it in Finland.
EU matters dealt with by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health include:
- social protection
- social security coordination
- gender equality
- occupational health and safety
- insurance
- health services
- public health and environmental health
- supervision of pharmaceuticals
- narcotics – drug prevention
EU decisions and directives have a considerable impact on operations in the social welfare and health care sector. Although social welfare and health care affairs are, as a rule, within the competence of the Member States, EU regulation applies to areas such as social security coordination, pharmaceuticals and cross-border health threats.
EU issues in the ministry are coordinated by the EU Coordination Group of the International Affairs Unit.