MEPs vote to support action on organ donation in the EU

In December 2008, the European Commission adopted two mechanisms to address these issues: an Action Plan enhancing coordination and cooperation between Member States, and a Directive containing the basic safety and quality procedures for transplantation.

The report of Mr Miroslav Mikolasik on the Directive was adopted during the Plenary session on 17-20 May. During the European Parliament debates, MEPs were already approached by the Spanish Presidency of the EU to find a compromised text as early as possible with the Council of the EU, as this is a priority of the Spanish Presidency. The Spanish presidency welcomed the report adopted by MEPs in first reading. This means that the Directive may be adopted by both institutions in first reading.

The European Parliament adopted as well an own-initiative report on the EU Action Plan to Organ Donation, drafted by Andres Perello Rodriguez MEP (Spain - S&D)

The Action Plan sets out 10 priorities to help member states address the challenges in the field of organ donation and transplantation. It will promote strengthened cooperation between Member States and exchange of best practices as a key element in the strategy.

The Directive covers human organs that are used for transplantation, during all the phases of the process – donation, procurement, testing, preservation, transport and use – and aims to ensure their quality and safety and hence a high level of health protection. Organs that are transplanted into the human body in clinical trials should comply with the quality and safety standards laid down in the Directive.

There are currently 56,000 EU patients on waiting lists for organs, and an estimated 15-30 per cent of them will die before receiving treatment [1]; transplantation is the best, and, for many, the only treatment available for a wide range of diseases.

For further information
 European Commission Organ Transplantation Policy
 Statement by Commissioner John Dalli
 Questions and Answers on Organ Transplantation

Related EPHA articles
 article 3031
 European Commission proposes actions on donation and transplants
 WHO discusses opportunities and threats of animal to human transplantation