The Future of Health Care in Six European Countries: The Views of Policy Elites

Abstract

A recent study was made of the views of politicians, representatives of trade unions, business organizations, and others likely to be influential in policy making, on the future of health care provision in six European Union (E.U.) countries. This article discusses the findings. While common problems of rising cost resulting from population aging are recognized in all countries, the way these issues are interpreted and the policies seen as appropriate to tackle them differ. Views are strongly influenced by the organizational structure of existing provision. This supports the “new institutionalist” view that policy feedback plays an important role in shaping policy reform. It also indicates that the potential for convergence in E.U. social policy is more limited than suggestions that the single European market will lead to an “ever closer union” might imply.

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