The European Commission is facing the challenge of drawing up a package of measures to ensure that different national health systems are compatible with European Union rules.

Last week it launched wide ranging consultations that will run until the end of the year. After assessing the input it will table concrete proposals during the first half of next year. These would then have to be approved by EU governments and the European parliament.

The commission stresses that the aim is not to harmonise national health systems; the benefits and services they provide remain national responsibilities. Instead the aim is to guarantee legal certainty …