EPHA - European Public Health Alliance
15/03/2010
Dr Constantinos Phellas received an email from the Secretariat of EPHA
Welcome to the February 2010 Newsletter
After months of delay and a vast reshuffle of competence, the European Commission was approved by the Parliament and its work under this term finally started. The current period is crucial, with discussions on the next 10 years of Europe - our vision and strategy to achieve the vision - are well underway, and Brussels is vying to ensure the plans reflect Europe’s needs and objectives. Commissioner Dalli started his term with two decisive and divisive decisions - to recall the ’Information to Patients’ proposal and to approve the genetically modified BASF potato. He also demonstrated his awareness and commitment to stakeholder dialogue, with an appearance at the Consumer and Patient Working Party at his newest agency - the European Medicines Agency in London and moves towards further meetings with health NGOs in other settings.
There are small demonstrations of change throughout the Commission, and small signs that all is not ’business as usual’. Although many NGOs are unhappy with the EU2020 strategy, the new wind of green development and a social Europe are being felt through the corridors of power. Although competitiveness and innovation are looking to be the masters of the next 10 years, big business is finding that the ’good for big business, good for Europe’ mantra has appeared to have weakened. Some member states appear to be showing alarm at this development, and the battle has not yet been won. There is a need for all those in Brussels who favour the more responsible and carefully thought through approach - even if they are unhappy with some of the details - to put their differences aside and vocally stand behind the move towards a Europe that delivers better outcomes for all its citizens, including its most vulnerable.
Monika Kosinska
Secretary General, Brussels