This study of the sustainability of healthcare financing in Europe was first proposed in Luxembourg in late 2004. It is endorsed by Luxembourg's Ministry of Health and by Sitra the Finnish Innovation Fund, and is partnered by Pfizer, Inc.

The current position and issues affecting healthcare financing in Europe were presented at a Conference in October 2005 held at the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg. Speakers at that Conference included representatives from the OECD, the WHO, the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the London School of Economics.

Reports were being written on 4 separate study topics which affect the sustainability of healthcare financing. A Steering Committee under the Chairmanship of Pat Cox, had the role of guiding and overseeing the progress of the work and launching the final, joint document.

The 4 reports were merged into one policy brief - The Cox Report - directed at EU policy makers, and launched at a Conference in Helsinki on February 7th and 8th, 2007. The endorsement of Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund, and of Luxembourg's Health Ministry to this ambitious project, together with the participation of the World Bank, members of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and other experts has ensured that this document has reached its intended audience and received a wide distribution .

Following the Helsinki conference, The Cox Report was presented to the European Commission in Strasbourg on 13th February. (See Press Release)