This paper examines current trends in life expectancy, how they relate to healthy life years, and what this could mean for EU Member States. It then sets out factors which affect healthy life expectancy, and the policy response at EU level to increase HLY, both specifically within the health sector, and elsewhere. It shows how both policies that are narrowly focused on specific health issues and cross-cutting policies can contribute to a healthier population which will underpin European society in the future. It concludes by looking at future challenges for policy to support healthy ageing