Skip to main content
Public Health

Voluntary exchanges

Health Ministries across the EU are encouraged to use the analysis and insights provided in Health at a Glance: Europe, the Country Health Profiles, and the Companion Report to inform decision-making.

With this in mind, voluntary exchanges with the experts responsible for conducting the analysis can be requested, drawing on their expertise to better understand the issues concerned, and develop possible policy responses.

Upon request, the voluntary exchanges are primarily organised by experts from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (Observatory) in close liaison with the requesting national Health authorities.

It allows an individual EU country, or a small group of EU countries, to explore issues highlighted in the respective Country Health Profile(s), the Companion Report and Health at a Glance: Europe.

The voluntary exchanges are designed to

  • facilitate dialogue and exchange
  • provide a better understanding of underlying issues
  • share best practices
  • support national policy action if needed

The scope, content and format of each voluntary exchange are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the country and may take the shape of a seminar, workshop, symposium or policy dialogue.