The HIV/AIDS epidemic has been an important area of concern since the late 1980s. During this time, the European continent has escaped the worst ravages of the disease, partly due to effective action taken during the 1980s. A particular focus of EU action is addressing the prevention challenges posed by vulnerable groups like migrant populations, sex workers and young people. For example, the Commission is currently supporting activities to identify best practice in HIV and AIDS prevention and sex education.
The European Union and its neighbouring countries now face the threat of a 'new epidemic'. Parts of Europe have the fastest rate of new HIV and AIDS cases in the world. Figures released recently by UNAIDS confirm that numbers of new infections are increasing throughout the 25 EU member states and in its east European neighbours. The transmission pattern is also changing. While sexually transmitted infections remain predominant in some parts of the European continent, many of the rapid rises in infection are due to injecting drug use.
In February 2004 the Irish Presidency of the EU hosted the Dublin Ministerial Conference entitled 'Breaking the barriers — Partnership to fight HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia' in order to highlight the worsening situation. In June 2004 the European Council called for vigorous follow up by the Union and relevant regional bodies on the outcome of the Dublin Conference.
In September 2004 the Commission adopted the Working Paper: 'Coordinated and Integrated Approach to Combat HIV/AIDS in the European Union and in its Neighbourhood'. The Commission and the Lithuanian Government co-organised a follow-up Ministerial Conference 'Europe and HIV/AIDS: New Challenges — New Opportunities' in Vilnius the same month.
In December 2005 the Commission adopted the 'Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on combating HIV/AIDS within the European Union and in the neighbouring countries, 2006-2009'. The Communication sets out the priorities of the Commission regarding HIV/AIDS in Europe for the next few years and gives a clear indication of the guiding principles and added value of the European policy.
In March 2007 governments from Europe and Central Asia, together with invited observers, met in Bremen, Germany. The Bremen Declaration on Responsibility and Partnership 'Together Against HIV/AIDS' was adopted.
For more information about European policies on HIV and AIDS click here.
In the section Key documents and declarations you will find an overview of the most important political documents.
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