Welcome to the November 2009 Newsletter
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.
Monika Kosinska
Secretary General
Brussels
Read all the online articles from our Newsletter November 2009
EPHA members can find the following new information in the Members Only section :
Policy Coordination Meeting 2009
Policy Coordination Meetings 2010 (PCMs)
Comments on the implementation of the EU Health Strategy
EU Health Policy Forum meeting - 16 October 2009
EPHA Annual General Assembly 2009 - the highlights
CSCG Steering Group meeting - 29 October 2009
EPHA Briefing : Proposed Directive on Pharmacovigilance
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 22 January 2010. Please send your items to the EPHA Secretariat
