This article examines how the HIV/AIDS epidemic reshaped the role of the European Economic Community (EEC) in public health between 1983 and 1991. Drawing on parliamentary debates, Commission documents, and institutional records, it traces the process that led to the adoption of the first Community action plan, Europe Against AIDS (1991-1993). The study argues that HIV/AIDS evolved from a medical emergency into a broader political issue involving public health, civil liberties, discrimination, migration, and European integration. Despite limited legal competences in health policy, the EEC gradually developed a coordinated response based on research cooperation, prevention, epidemiological surveillance, and the protection of fundamental rights. Debates over compulsory testing, travel restrictions, and the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS contributed to the emergence of a distinct European approach centred on solidarity, voluntary prevention, and opposition to coercive measures. HIV/AIDS thus became a testing ground for new forms of Community action and a precursor to later developments in European health governance.
L’AIDS/HIV tra emergenza sanitaria, diritti e integrazione europea: l’origine del primo piano comunitario (1983-1991)
Federico Creatini
2026-01-01
Abstract
This article examines how the HIV/AIDS epidemic reshaped the role of the European Economic Community (EEC) in public health between 1983 and 1991. Drawing on parliamentary debates, Commission documents, and institutional records, it traces the process that led to the adoption of the first Community action plan, Europe Against AIDS (1991-1993). The study argues that HIV/AIDS evolved from a medical emergency into a broader political issue involving public health, civil liberties, discrimination, migration, and European integration. Despite limited legal competences in health policy, the EEC gradually developed a coordinated response based on research cooperation, prevention, epidemiological surveillance, and the protection of fundamental rights. Debates over compulsory testing, travel restrictions, and the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS contributed to the emergence of a distinct European approach centred on solidarity, voluntary prevention, and opposition to coercive measures. HIV/AIDS thus became a testing ground for new forms of Community action and a precursor to later developments in European health governance.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
