Issues, and the questions they inspire, when one considers the development of European higher education for health care professionals

This paper highlights various aspects of an emerging European health strategy and the potential consequences this may bring. The various directives of the European Commission, ratified by the European Parliament and each of the Parliaments of the member states, are gently and progressively forging integration of systems and processes. These systems and processes are concerned with governance and regulation and are aimed at establishing equivalence and standards of activity across the Union. The European Union is not a federated state. However, in order for it to work effectively as a trading block, the establishment of these standards into social, Journal of Allied Health, Summer 2008, Vol 37, No 2 e-126 educational and new health care processes is seen as essential. Therefore, various directives from the European Commission are being laundered to expedite this. These directives are often opposed by the member states and the ensuring debate generates many talking points. This paper raises some of these talking points in the area of Higher Education and health care strategy. The conclusion of the paper suggests what further debate needs to occur within the European Union if integration is to succeed.