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.

• International Affairs Unit