On 23 October 2007, the European Commission adopted its new Health Strategy, Together for Health: A Strategic Approach for the EU 2008-2013. In the words of the Commission, "this Strategy aims to provide, for the first time, an overarching strategic framework spanning core issues in health as well as health in all policies and global health issues," thereby further confirming the EU's ambition to play a pivotal role as a global health actor for Europe.

The strategy is based on a values-driven approach to understanding health and health systems. It recognizes the links between health and economic prosperity in both rich and poor countries. The strategy strives to realize the aim of health in all policies in a global context, and holds as essential the strengthening of the EU's voice in global health. In addition to these principles, the strategy focuses on three strategic themes:

1. fostering good health in an ageing Europe
2. protecting citizens from health threats
3. dynamic health systems and new technologies

The strategy aims to set clear objectives to guide future work on health at the European level, and to put in place an implementation mechanism to achieve these objectives, working in partnership with member states and civil society.

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