Universal access to high quality health care is a fundamental
right recognised and valued by the European Union. European
citizens have a right to expect that every effort is made to
ensure their safety as users of health services. The Union has
identified the need to establish a culture of patient safety
throughout the entire health system. Measures and actions
towards this goal are in place at EU level, their objective
being to support and coordinate national policies and to
guarantee high-quality products, services and management in the
field of health care and treatment. Quality of medical goods,
standards for the safety and performance of medical technology,
and standard training of health professionals are areas of
activity identified to improve quality and prevent adverse
events for patients. In the light of this, legislative measures
coupled with the setting-up of agencies and working groups
(delivering scientifically sound opinions) are the backbone of
the EU’s activities in this field. Moreover, by