European Union and Health Policy: The “Chaordic” Dynamics of Integration^*

Abstract

Objective. The objective of this article is to analyze the various components of EU health policy and to propose a conceptualization of the Europeanization of different countries' health policies. Method. Drawing on the methodology of public policy analysis, the authors identify core policies and their developments. They focus on the political processes and the stakeholders involved, and discuss future policy outcomes and their consequences. Results. The results show a two‐sided picture: on the one hand, Europeanization in the health policy field primarily results from indirect impacts, rather than from direct treaty‐based provisions or from a clear‐cut sectoral policy; on the other hand, the EU exercises an increasingly strong influence over health policy in Member States, justified by internal market imperatives as well as public health requirements. Conclusion. The conclusion identifies a growing European health policy compound characterized by new, complex, and often overlapping responsibilities between the national and supranational levels. It conceptualizes the Europeanization of health policy as a differential, multiple, and often accidental process, the effects of which nevertheless tend to be quite systematic.