Communicable disease control might be one of the oldest and most centralfunctions of government, but it is also one in transition. The European Union hasbecome a major part of the public health infrastructure of the continent, influencingthe chances and courses of illness with its policies and agencies. Like much ofEU policy, this happened with few specific decisions and only a weak legal basis.But its influence is dramatic, and little-studied or even noted. This conferencebrings together academics and practitioners from the EU and U.S. to understandhow communicable disease control is becoming a strength of the EU and what itsconsequences might be. The conference is convened by Scott L. Greer, assistant professor of healthmanagement and policy, with a welcome by Ken Kollman, professor of politicalscience and acting vice-provost for international affairs. Conference participantsinclude: Bernard Merkel, European Union Delegation, Washington, DC; Jacques A.Drucker, Embassy
