Rare diseases and European Reference Networks in context of European Union's health policy

As a substantial concern throughout the world, health becomes a current issue in the European Union (EU), especially within the context of aging population and cross-border health services. The EU, which ties economic development to a healthy society, is not exclusively authorized in the field of health, but has begun to develop a wide range of initiatives in recent years. A specific health issue that the EU has adopted institutionally is rare diseases (RD) which are very difficult for member states to fight on their own that affects a very large population throughout Europe. The EU defines the diseases that affect less than one person in 2,000 as RD. The majority of RD, most of which are genetically induced, have either no treatment or very expensive. In recent years, the modern management is accepted to be the central approach to fight against the RD. In parallel, the EU has introduced European Reference Networks (ERN) by developing a policy to provide knowledge and experience that will gather and empower member states under the same roof. As a unique system in the world, the ERN is an advanced e-health implementation that unites RD centers across Europe within a virtual network. This system will give the opportunity to benefit from a wide range of knowledge and experience by consulting their patients with related centers in other countries for doctors, will avoid unnecessary travel to other countries, and will let patients to find the best treatment options and the center within this network. The ERN system established by the EU at the end of nearly three decades of efforts, is a typical example of deepening process in the EU's health policy. The future developments of the very recent ERN system and its benefits for RD will appear in the future period. Keywords: European Union, Health Policy, Rare Diseases, European Reference Networks