ASPHER Brussels Office News

14.04.2010 | Global Health: Commission calls on EU to gear up on health actions

On 31 March, the European Commission adopted proposals to enhance the EU's role in global health. The objective is to make Europe's contribution more effective so as to better accompany developing countries in getting back on track towards achieving health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Commission presents four approaches to improving global health: establish a more democratic and coordinated global governance; push for a collective effort to promote universal coverage and access to health services to all; ensure better coherence between EU policies relating to health; improve coordination of EU research on global health and boost access in developing countries to new knowledge and treatments.

Commission Communication 'The EU role in Global Health'

3 Staff working papers are published with the Communication:
Contributing to universal coverage of health services through development cooperation;
Global health: responding to the challenges of globalization;
European research and knowledge for global health.

More information

08.04.2010 | Commission appoints Ms Paola Testori Coggi as Director-General of the DG for Health and Consumers

On Wednesday, March 31, the European Commission decided to appoint Mr Robert Madelin as Director-General of the DG for Information Society and Media, to replace Mr Fabio Colasanti, who retired on April 1. The Commission also appointed Ms Paola Testori Coggi to replace Mr Madelin as Director-General of the DG for Health and Consumers. Both decisions took effect on Thursday, April 1.

Ms Testori Coggi, an Italian national, has been Deputy Director-General in the DG for Health and Consumers since August 2007. From 2000 until 2007, she was Director for the safety of the food chain, where she was responsible for the White Paper on food safety and the legislative action programme. Prior to that, she was adviser on consumer health in the Cabinet of Commissioner Emma Bonino, where she worked on the new EU policy on consumer health after the mad cow disease crisis. Paola Testori Coggi joined the European Commission in 1983 in the Directorate-General for Environment.

Mr Madelin, a British national, has been Director-General for Health and Consumer Affairs since January 2004. Between 1997 and 2003, he was a Director in the DG for Trade, for a range of international economic topics, including biotechnology, standards, intellectual property, sustainable development, governance and bilateral trade relations with Asia. Prior to this, he was Deputy Head of Cabinet to Sir Leon Brittan, European Commission Vice President responsible for trade. Robert Madelin joined the Commission in 1993 after a career in the British civil service.

08.04.2010 | The Commission's work programme 2010

The Commission Work Programme (CWP) 2010 translates the priorities of President Barroso's political guidelines into concrete actions. Overall, emphasis of the CWP is on (1) putting the Europe 2020 Strategy into practice thereby building the basis for exiting the economic crisis and creating sustainable growth and jobs (2) enhancing the rights and security of European citizens and (3) strengthening Europe's role on the world stage.

For the first time the CWP 2010 provides a multiannual overview of the work which the Commission plans to undertake in the coming years. This will not only improve predictability for all stakeholders, but also facilitate cooperation with the other EU institutions.

The Commission commits to deliver on the strategic initiatives foreseen for adoption in 2010 and provides indicative lists of other important initiatives for the years 2010-2014. Through annual updates of the Work Programme, the Commission will identify new annual strategic initiatives and adapt the multiannual strand as necessary.

Commission initiatives with significant impacts, including comitology proposals, should be accompanied by impact assessments. To provide transparency on planned impact assessment work Commission's services prepare Roadmaps for initiatives that are likely to have significant impacts (planned impact assessment work).

The Commission also sends monthly reports to the other institutions on the execution of the Work Programme and an overview of planned Commission initiatives until the end of each year. These are Commission working documents which only exist in the original version (part English, part French) and are updated on a monthly basis.

The Commission's Work Programme for 2010 (Text and Annex)

03.02.2010 | Europe 2020

Today the Commission adopted its proposal for the Europe 2020 Strategy which you can consult through the following site, as well as a document presenting a more detailed overview of the key ideas presented by the different groups of stakeholders in response to the consultation. All the contributions to the consultation will be accessible on this site soon. If you wish to be kept informed on Europe 2020, simply click the following mailto:EU2020@ec.europa.eu specifying under subject: "interested in receiving mails regarding Europe 2020".

09.02.2010 | The members of the Barroso Commission (2010-2014)

The European Parliament approved 26 candidates for the European Commission. The vote was 488 in favour, 137 against (with 72 abstaining). The vote culminates a process that began in September when the president won parliamentary support for a second term. The new Commission was supposed to take office in November 2009 but the appointment was held up by delayed ratification of the Lisbon treaty and by the withdrawal of the Bulgarian candidate after her confirmation hearing in January. With Mr Barroso, the new line-up comprises 27 members, one from each EU country. Fourteen, including the president, served in the previous executive. Their term lasts five years. The Barroso II team will take office once EU leaders have formally appointed it.

15.01.2010 | Parliamentary hearing Commissioner-designate for Health and Consumer Affairs John Dalli

On 14 January 2010, Europe’s Commissioner-Designate for Health and Consumer Affairs, John Dalli, underwent a public hearing from Members from the European Parliament in his bid to become the successor of Androulla Vassiliou – former European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Affairs. Click here if you want to find out John Dalli’s views on the recently rejected cross-border healthcare proposal, on tackling health inequalities by addressing social determinants of health and on the pharmaceutical package – an area that falls for the first time under the health and consumers portfolio. The European Parliament is now expected to hold a vote of consent on the new Commissioners on 26 January 2010, after which they will be formally appointed. Source: EHMA New Bulleting

15.01.2010 | Europe in action for healthier, safer, more confident citizens

Sanco e-mag: see the brochure, watch the videos here.

Also, Directorate General for Health and Consumers turned 10 years old last autumn. To mark this occasion, a special video has been prepared. While it presents main achievements of the European Union in the areas of public health, food safety and consumer affairs, it also offers both historical perspective and insight in the future from Commissioners Kuneva and Vassiliou, as well as other important actors. Watch full video here.

14.12.2009 | Zsuzsanna Jakab, Regional WHO EURO Director-Elect, seeks you views!

Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director-Elect for Europe, is hosting a transition process website that shares her vision for the WHO European Office and asks for your views and suggestions about how to best adapt the WHO Regional Office for Europe to our changing European environment.

Please go to www.rdelecteuro.org to view the website and participate in this unique public health community consultation. Let the dialogue begin!

10.12.2009 | Message from Monika Kosinska, EPHA Secretary General

With the announcement of ’Barroso II’, all that remains between a new political leadership in Brussels is the Parliamentary hearings. The designated Commissioners are busy preparing for the scrutiny before the European Parliament, a gruelling three hour process where questions are mooted on potentially any topic within their portfolio. This is not the simple ’rubber stamp’ procedure that it may appear : Commissioners are expected to understand the details of the political and technical dossiers and prepare for the most challenging and divisive questions. The new Health and Consumer Commissioner, John Dalli, is in for a particular challenge. Always a broad portfolio, the inclusion of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, cosmetics and genetically modified organisms gives not only far more technical and complex dossiers but also those with heavy economic interests and strong positions. All will be watching the hearings, in order to get a sense of the leadership for the next five years.

Meanwhile, Brussels waits. The political dossiers are on hold : big consultations on issues of key interest and impact are waiting for the political leadership to take the helm. The EU2020 consultation, on the future business plan of Europe, is however underway, with a deadline of 15 January. This short consultation, for what is the second most important document in terms of decision-making after the Treaty, coinciding with the Christmas holidays is causing many in Brussels to call in protest at the challenges this brings for a full and transparent debate of the issues.

Finally, not just Brussels but the capitals of the world are looking towards Copenhagen. Rumours are rife about deals being brokered, failures and broken promises, demonstrations and disappointment. The health community is there in force, striving to ensure that human health is at the centre of decisions, whilst time is running out on the change that we need. Our consumption patterns are driving a changing planet, are expanding our waistlines and putting strains on our wallets at a time when we cannot afford any of it. As we come to the end of our ’golden hour’ for intervention, we can only look in hope to the bold leadership and courageous decisions that need to be taken. Source: EPHA Newsletter, November 2009

01.12.2009 | 2010 EU Funding: Calls for proposals available shortly

Before the end of the year, the European Commission plans to publish its Work Plan for 2010, which sets the annual priorities for the implementation of the EU Health Programme. Immediately after, the calls for proposals for projects, operating grants, conferences and joint actions will be launched. Tentative deadline for submitting proposals is early March 2010. More information is available here.

01.12.2009 | New EU Commissioners announced

President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, announced on Friday 27th November the portfolio responsibilities for the next term of EU Commissioners. The new Commissioner for Health and Consumers will be the Maltese representative John Dalli. Mr Dalli is currently the Maltese Minister for Social Policy, which includes the competency for health. As with the other Commissioners designate, Mr Dalli will take up his position in February 2010 following a scrutiny session by the European Parliament. His portfolio will now include also responsibility for pharmaceutical products and medical devices. These areas, along with the European Medicines Agency, will move from DG Enterprise and Industry (DG ENTR) to DG Health and Consumers (DG SANCO). For a full list of the proposed EU Commissioners, please click here.

01.12.2009 | Consultation on the Future EU 2020 Strategy

EU 2020 strategy is designed as the successor to the current Lisbon Strategy, which has been the EU's reform strategy for the last decade. Building on the Lisbon Strategy’s partnership for growth and job creation, the “2020” is intended to and renew the Lisbon Strategy to meet the challenges of the future. The Commission considers that EU 2020 should focus on key policy areas where collaboration between EU and Member States can deliver the best results. The Commission will issue a communication in Spring 2010 based upon the recommendations it receives regarding the 2020 strategy. Thus, the Commission is seeking views on the following priorities which it considers to be the key drivers of the strategy: Creating value by basing growth on knowledge, Empowering people in inclusive societies, and Creating a competitive, connected and greener economy. The aim for 2020 is to meet EU objectives on climate change and energy, strengthen our industrial base, fully unlock the potential of SMEs. The EU 2020 vision will set the broad future objectives for the EU and as such needs reflect the health and well-being dimension. The Commission will need the active support of stakeholders such as the social partners and civil society. Its take up across all the regions of the EU will also be crucial to its success and the Commission would like to see national parliaments taking a particular interest in this new strategy as it is developed. The Commission invites comments and suggestions on the ideas outlined in this paper. They should be sent to mailto:EU2020@ec.europa.eu by 15 January 2010. The Commission intends to adopt a formal Communication addressed to the Spring European Council early in 2010. Source: EU Health Issues, North West Health Brussels Office

01.12.2009 | The Impact of the Lisbon Treaty on EU Health Law

On 3rd November Czech President Vaclav Klaus signed the Lisbon Treaty, which formally ratifies the Lisbon Treaty, a significant new piece of EU law. Its key objectives are to make the EU more democratic and efficient, improving its ability to tackle today’s global challenges such as climate change, security and sustainable development. The Treaty of Lisbon affects health policy, as the current public health Article (article 152) will be replaced by a new public health Article 168. Although the list of EU public health policy objectives has not changed from previous treaties, Article 168 includes actions to tackle major health scourges include monitoring, early warning of, and combating of cross-border health threats. In addition, the new Article states that EU action to encourage cooperation between Member States shall, in particular, concern the improvement of their health services in cross-border areas. Article 168 also strongly reasserts the principle of subsidiarity, respecting Member States responsibilities for the definition of health policies and organising, delivering health services and medical care. It is stated that the European Parliament and the Council may adopt incentive measuresto “protect and improve human health and in particular to combat the major cross-border health scourges, measures concerning monitoring, early warning of and combating serious cross-border threats to health, and measures which have as their direct objective the protection of public health regarding tobacco and the abuse of alcohol, excluding any harmonisation of the laws and regulations of the Member States”. Source: EU Health Issues, North West Health Brussels Office

20.10.2009 | New Communication on Health Inequalities

The European Commission has published a new communication on health inequalities "Solidarity in Health: Reducing Health Inequalities in the EU". To view this new communication, please click here.

22.09.2009 | Flu Strategy Adoption

The European Commission has adopted a strategy paper supporting Member States in their efforts to respond efficiently to the pandemic H1N1 2009. In order to minimise the negative impact of the pandemic, the Commission highlights the importance of close coordination between EU Member States in all related sectors affected by the pandemic. The Commission leads the EU coordination on the pandemic through well established structures such as the EU's Health Security Committee and with the scientific advice provided by EU Agencies (e.g European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and European Medicines Agency). The strategy paper identifies key strategic strands to strengthen coordination and emphasises support to the Member States that are in a less favourable situation. Vaccination remains one of the most effective means of preventing the spread of the pandemic and attention is centred on vaccine development and vaccination strategies as well as supporting Member States in procuring vaccines. The need for clear, coherent and targeted messages on preventive measures, including vaccination, to the public is addressed. Solidarity for third countries is also part of the overall capacity building that the Commission wants to promote. To read more on the summary of the flu strategy, click here

21.09.2009 | Funding Opportunity: 7th RTD Research Framework SSH.2010.2.1-4

The European Commission is calling for proposals within the 7th RTD Research Framework, SSH.2010.2.1-4, under the topic "Social Platform on Sustainable Lifestyles". Please note, the deadline for applications is 14 December 2009. The platform on ‘sustainable lifestyle’ will be supported to define a research agenda in the area driven by societal concerns. Taking into account previous research at national and EU level, the platform will involve societal stakeholders with a view to support the exchange of experiences and the development of structures of analysis on current initiatives and practises that aim at new sustainable ways of living, moving, consuming, given current knowledge and economic, social, legal and cultural imperatives. For more information on this call for proposals, please click here.

11.09.2009 | On-line Discussion on EU Health and Consumer Policy

The European Commission will be organising an open on-line discussion on EU health and consumer policy, running from 14 September to 9 October 2009, to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Directorate General for Health and Consumers (DG SANCO). Debate Europe will provide Europeans with an excellent opportunity to voice their opinions on health and consumer policy. Furthermore, a special sub section of the site will allow votes to be cast in an on-line opinion poll and for visitors learn more about EU initiatives by watching video-clips and various other media. For full details, please click here

09.09.2009 | European Health Forum Gastein: Register online

The 12th European Health Forum Gastein: Financial Crisis and Health Policy will be taking place from 30 September to 3 October 2009 in Bad Hofgastein, Salzburg, Austria. Under the general theme "Financial Crisis and Health Policy", the forum will also be be covering the following topics: sustainability of health systems, health technology assessment, health inequalities (policy), health inequalities (research), knowledge transfer and action, shifting the paradigm - making healthcare sustainable. To register for this event, please click here

28.08.2009 | Eurostat: Health statistics – Atlas on mortality in the European Union 2009

The European Commission's statistical information service (Eurostat) has recently released a new publication: Health statistics – Atlas on mortality in the European Union 2009. The Atlas describes the situation regarding mortality in the Member States of the European Union. It is an update of an earlier publication published by Eurostat in 2002, based on data for the years 1994-1996. To view the pdf version of this publication, please click here.

02.06.2009 | Initiative on Health and Youth

The European Commission has recently launched a new scheme to improve the health of young people in Europe. Under the framework of the new initiative, a number of activities have been launched, including: a high level conference on health and youth (9-10 July 2009, Brussels), an art competition to empower young people to express their views about health, an internet blog for youth to express themselves about health issues, and a "Youth Health Initiative" Facebook group. More information on these activities can be found by opening the relevant links.

22.05.2009 | DG SANCO Health Policy Forum

Following a 14 May Health Policy Forum Meeting, ASPHER is pleased to disseminate three websites that have been released by the European Commission: European Elections Forum, Youth Health Initiative, DG SANCO Stakeholder Dialogue Group webpage.

01.04.2009 | Solidarity in Health: Reducing Health Inequalities in the EU

To view ASPHER's response to the European Commission's consultation "Solidarity in Health: Reducing Health Inequalities in the EU", click here

31.03.2009 | Green Paper on the European Workforce for Health

To view ASPHER's response to the European Commission's consultation on the "Green Paper on the European Workforce for Health", click here

29.10.2008 | SANCO Future Challenges paper: 2009-2014

What are some of the main challenges that our DG may face in the future? How will the environment in which we operate evolve in the coming 10-20 years? For example: will consumers have confidence in what we purchase in a supermarket? Will consumers be increasingly looking for ethical or local products? Will citizens live longer and healthier? Will consumers spend even more time on the internet looking for information or making a purchase? Read more.