There are now quality assurance agencies in almost all countries of the EHEA, although they are quite heterogeneous in terms of size, scope, statute, focus and international capacity.

In this context, the main role of the Commission is: (1) to inform and raise awareness on major public health concerns at EU and Member State level, and to cooperate with Member States in addressing these; (2) to initiate action at EU level when this relates to its field of competence, in particular through sectoral programs and (3) to support and help coordinate national actions, in particular by identifying and disseminating good practice across the EU.

National action should be chosen when this will bring the best results: EU-level action when most effective.

For example: indicators for measuring violence against women; creating coordinating centres with NGOs and other agencies to help victims of violence and trafficking of women for prostitution; a programme for European experts concerning the treatment of young perpetrators of sexual abuse and the elaboration of an Action Plan for Europe, including a series of Recommendations for minimum standard rules on child sexual exploitation, to be implemented at national and EU level; an Internet helpline aiming to offer advice to sexually abused children; creating a European Committee against modern forms of slavery; comparative research and re ...[+++]commendations for EU and national policies against trafficking in human beings.

For example: indicators for measuring violence against women; creating coordinating centres with NGOs and other agencies to help victims of violence and trafficking of women for prostitution; a programme for European experts concerning the treatment of young perpetrators of sexual abuse and the elaboration of an Action Plan for Europe, including a series of Recommendations for minimum standard rules on child sexual exploitation, to be implemented at national and EU level; an Internet helpline aiming to offer advice to sexually abused children; creating a European Committee against modern forms of slavery; comparative research and re ...[+++]commendations for EU and national policies against trafficking in human beings.

The aim of this Action Plan is to ensure that the targets set by the Lisbon Summit are reached by defining the necessary measures. eEurope initially identified 10 areas where action at European level will add value.