Newsletter May 2009

Welcome to the May 2009 Newsletter

As voters go to the polls across the EU, there are more than 10,000 MEP candidates to choose from, representing a huge variety of values, views and opinions about the Europe. The European Parliament elections are an opportunity for citizens to choose the parties and candidates that they want to shape European laws and decision-making over the next five years. However, the election campaigns in most countries have tended to focus on national issues - particularly when local elections are being held at the same time.

This is the year of change at EU level, with a new Parliament, a new Commission and possibly the ratification of a new treaty. The winds of change are blowing but which way - left, right; pro-Europe, anti-Europe; isolationist or federalist? The choice is yours.

The elections are being held during the worst economic crisis in Europe for decades. This is expected to influence the results, with governing parties in many countries likely to be punished by voters concerned about their jobs and economic prospects. A key factor in the election will be the level of participation. Voter turnout has decreased steadily since direct elections to the European Parliament began in 1979. Despite considerable efforts by the EU institutions to raise interest in the elections, a recent Eurobarometer survey predicts abstention rates as high as 66% between 4 -7 June. Low voter turn out is likely to benefit smaller political parties and those at the extreme ends of the political spectrum.

For the European networks and platforms that operate in the Brussels environment, the European Parliament elections are being watched closely. There are several important dossiers, such as the Patients’ Rights Directive, the Food Information to Consumers Regulation or the Pharmaceutical Package that will need to be finalised by this new Parliament. EPHA, like many other health actors, will seek to quickly identify the new champions in the Parliament for public health, the environment, social welfare, development and research.

One thing is certain- the second half of 2009 will see the political map of Europe redefined.

Read all the online articles of our Newsletter for May 2009

EPHA members can find the following new information in the Members Only section:

 article 3524
 article 3523
 Gender differences highlighted at workshop on mental health
 article 3518
 EU Health Policy Forum, May 2009
 Fighting Poverty, Creating Opportunities: EPHA attends the European Foundation Centre’s Annual Conference
 A toolkit on the European Parliament elections produced by the Civil Society Contact Group -now available in 15 languages
 2nd Alcohol Open Forum: "Stronger action needed to curb alcohol related harm"
 Clinical Trials Register goes live

Please note that if an EPHA member would like to highlight their activities in the EPHA Newsletter, the deadline to submit a news item is Friday 19 June 2009. Please send your items to the EPHA Secretariat