Newsletter February 2003

MEPs Seek Ban on Additive E 425 Konjac

The EP adopted a report from Marit Paulsen (ELDR, Sweden) proposing a ban on the use of the food additive E425 konjac in jelly products, consumed primarily by children. This first-reading Opinion (adopted under the co-decision procedure) is in line with the European Commission’s draft amendment to Directive 95/2, aiming to introduce a permanent ban on this food additive. This initiative follows reports that consumption of minicups containing the additive pose a risk of death by (...)

Prevention and Reduction of Risks Associated with Drug Dependence

Effective health and drug policy measures aimed at hard drug users would improve the health and well-being not only of drug addicts but also the general public, says the European Parliament Environment Committee in welcoming Commission proposals for preventing drug-related infections . In proposing a range of non-binding amendments by reporter Minerva MALLIORI (PES, GR) and other MEPs, the committee stressed the key role of local communities, arguing that local authority healthcare staff, (...)

Community and National Measures in Relation to Breast Implants

The European Parliament’s Environment Committee is urging the EU Member States to ban direct advertising to the public for breast implants or breast implant operations, as France has done. Since breast implants always entail risks, MEPs demand that objective, non-commercial information be provided through national public health services instead. These demands are made in a non-legislative draft resolution by Catherine STIHLER (PES, UK) on a Commission paper on breast implants. While (...)

Greek Presidency Conclusions on Social Protection

In an informal meeting of Employment and Social Policy Ministers, the Council reaffirmed its goal of strengthening the social dimension of Europe.

Framework Convention on Tobacco Control concluded, 1 March 2003

After four years, the negotiations by the 192 Member States of the WHO have resulted in an agreement for a groundbreaking treaty on tobacco control. The Treaty will be submitted to the World Health Assembly in May 2003 for approval. This first international health treaty covers a range of issues including tobacco advertising, health warnings, tax issues, illicit trade (smuggling) and smoking cessation programmes. However important questions remain about the EU position on the Convention (...)

Competent Authorities Meeting for Medical Devices

The medical devices Competent Authorities met in Athens, under the Greek Presidency, on the 16 and 17 January 2003. 21 countries were represented: European Union, future member States and EFTA countries. Issues discussed include: Enlargement of the EU, Commission Communication on medical devices, Safety concerns presented by medical software, Transparency and Patient (...)

Creating a "Europe of Health"

In January’s electronic issue of Consumer Voice, the newsletter published by DG SANCO, Commissioner Byrne’s vision for a ’Europe of health’ focuses on: the creation of the European Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control, tobacco control measures, patient mobility, and bioterrorism (as well as getting the tenders for the new public health programme (...)

European Breastfeeding Promotion Project

The first meeting of a project on promoting breastfeeding in Europe, funded by DG SANCO was held last 21-23 February in Trieste, Italy. The NGO participant was IBFAN.. The project will produce a "Blueprint for action", i.e. a document that countries can use to plan and implement activities. The USA have already produced an equivalent document on breastfeeding.

March 2003, Romano Prodi Launches Internet Debate on «Penelope»

President of the European Commission Romano Prodi launched an Internet debate with the public on a potential Constitution for Europe based on the working document "Penelope". Prodi and the experts who are drawing up the document personally respond to comments and proposals from the public on issues such as democracy, justice, and monetary policy. The debate as the Convention discussed the draft articles of the future Constitutional Treaty. The online discussion is part of the "Debate on (...)

EIB Environment Report Published

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has published its first ever Environment Report. The Report provides an account of recent environmental developments at the EIB, including new policy initiatives, changes in its environmental organisation and environmental lending in 2001-2002, defined by its status as a European institution.