better regulation

Tobacco industry attempts to undermine Framework Convention on Tobacco using the German government

Researchers at the Tobacco Control Research Group have shown in a paper published in the British Medical Journal how the Tobacco Industry attempted to use the German government to undermine the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Germany has been identified as one of a few high-income countries that opposed a strong Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). A group of researchers has examined the role that the tobacco industry played in influencing the German (...)

30 sec to understand the importance of equity to improve intergenerational solidarity

During the OECD 50th Anniversary on ’Better policies for better lives’, EPHA Secretary General Monika Kosinska explained the importance of equity in improving intergenerational solidarity. EPHA participated in the OECD Forum to support the launch of the Better Life Index of OECD and contributed with a briefing on ’Beyond GDP indicators’ EPHA calls to all EU Member States: Health and well being - future golden standard to measure (...)

MEPs speak out against corporate dominance of expert groups

**Update March 2011** MEPs from several political groups have criticized the Commission for not taking action against the industry "dominance" of many expert groups. **Update March 2011** A group of over 15 MEPS has voiced their concerns and demand that parliament should be involved in deciding the composition of the groups. The criticisms arise after the Commission finalised new rules on its expert groups at the end of 2010. The rules were revised without any consultation with MEPs (...)

Supporting decision-making in EU Insitutions, the role of Impact Assessments

On 28 September, the European Court of Auditors issued a report on Impact Assessments. The report found that impact assessment in general has been effective in supporting decision-making within the EU institutions. Impact Assessment is an essential element of the European Commission’s Smarter Regulation agenda, which attempts to simplify legislation. Impact assessments contribute to the decision-making process through the collection and analysis of data and information on planned (...)

*Updated* Barroso answers CSCG concerns on Smart Regulation

*Updated September 2010* The Civil Society Contact Group received a response from Secretariat General to a letter the group had sent out in July on the Smart Regulation Agenda. The letter calls for a more citizen-centred agenda. In September 2010, the Civil Society Contact Group received a response from the Secretariat General to a letter that the CSCG had sent out in July. The Commission reassured the group that many of the issues raised would be addressed in the Commission (...)

Report on the impact of advertising on consumer behaviour - Legislative Update

*Update 13 September 2010* On 13 September 2010, Philippe Juvin MEP presented his own initiative report to the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee of the European Parliament. The members of the Committee had the opportunity to express their opinion on the draft report. The shadow rapporteur for the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Mr Pier Antoni Panzeri MEP would like to see more emphasis on the following issues: To consider in the vulnerable (...)

DG SANCO 2010 Management Plan

DG SANCO has released its 2010 Management Plan. The Management Plan ties together the Commission Work Programme and the 2007-2013 Health Strategy. The management plan highlights the challenges set out in the Europe 2020 strategy and how they are reflected in the EU Health Strategy. The Management Plan argues that Health is an investment, a driver for competitiveness and a source of employment. Thus, the Commission seeks to emphasise health promotion throughout the life course – (...)

EPHA’s opinion on Smart Regulation

The European Public Health Alliance responds to the European Commission consultation on Smart Regulation and proposes several ways to ensure that public interests, transparency and accountability of decision making to citizens are at the centre of the future Smart Regulation Agenda. The Smart Regulation Agenda is the follow-up to the ’Better Regulation Agenda’ which aimed to simplify legislations and reduce administrative burdens; better implement Impact Assessments; and (...)

June 2010 CSCG Meeting

On 09 June 2010, the Civil Society Contact Group held a meeting. The minutes are available below. Luiza Bara represented EPHA. The Group discussed: the invitation to be part of the steering group of the European Civil Society House ALTER-EU: CSCG members looked at the new ALTER-EU statement and to consider signing it. the future of the CSCG Budget WG: the STG agrees with the enlargement of the WG mandate to Financial Perspectives and Financial Regulation – a possible meeting (...)

March 2010 CSCG Meeting

Luiza Bara represented EPHA at the March CSCG meeting. On 25 March, the Civil Society Contact Group held its second meeting for 2010. Conny Reuter (Social Platform) gave feedback from theEESC civil dialogue meeting, which led then to a more general discussion about civil dialogue. From the meeting it appeared that commissioner Reding does not fully understand what civil society and civil dialogue were. The debate with the MEPs was constructive. Most important points: Isabelle Durant (...)