ABSTRACT
This chapter examines a general historical evolution of European systems and the factors that have led to the synthesis of ideas over time. It provides challenges constitutes that are inherent in health care system development and that the societies of the 15 member states would have faced even if the EU did not exist. The chapter also provides challenges that is directly linked to the integration process and to the creation of the common market. It discusses the historical and theoretical underpinnings of the health care state and its several variations through an examination of the main perspectives in terms of the appropriate roles of the government and the market in health care. Health care expenditures in EU member states differ substantially both in terms of GDP and in terms of per capita health expenditures. The percentage of total health expenditures that comes from the public sector presents a considerable range.
