Statements on the future of public health in Europe.

The following statements summarise the discussions of five consecutive workshops organised by EUPHA from November 2002 to November 2003: (i) Future public health can only be achieved if the whole society invests in it: building partnerships is essential here. (ii) The long-term benefits of public health should be taken seriously by policy makers. (iii) Public health should form an integral part of the political agenda in all fields. (iv) Public health policy should be based on assets rather than disease. (v) Research remains a solid base for the development of public health practice and policy. (vi) Research should focus on the needs of policy and practice. (vii) Researchers should learn how to interact with politicians and practitioners. (viii) Innovative ways to promote health should be encouraged.(ix) The future public health practice: think globally, act locally. (x) What can EUPHA do? (aut.ref.