Today, to mark World Standards Day, the European Commission has organised a conference on “Competitiveness through standardisation”. ANEC recognises the contribution that European standards can make to business competitiveness but stresses that those standards supporting legislation and public policies need also to reflect the views of societal stakeholders.

The Swiss Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society described at the European Health Forum Gastein pioneering methods for employers to retain workers with MS, an illness that affects 500,000 people across Europe and costs €15bn annually in direct and indirect costs. Tailor-made case management had been a signal success in a pilot project at Ford-Werke Deutschland, where 500 workers with chronic disability have been reintegrated in the workforce. A pilot project for associates with MS at Novartis AG, Switzerland, is ongoing.

The Internet and social media are proving a serious nuisance by spreading unfounded scare-stories about vaccines, the European Health Forum Gastein was told by vaccine expert Dr Heidi Larson. The consequences could be alarming. One was the return of measles, with the WHO posting 25,000 new cases in September 2011. Public trust in vaccines is highly variable, experts said, this needed to be addressed by decision makers. 

Direct Selling Europe (DSE) is the federation of European national trade operating, well reputed and sustainable direct selling companies.
The Members of Direct Selling Europe employed in Europe representing about 50% of the direct selling industry in the EU in terms of revenue.
DSE Members distribute top quality and high visibility products which are in strong demand with consumers. They abide by the highest ethical standards and have pio

BRUSSELS – 12 October 2011 – European medical software manufacturers are currently subject to a diverse and unclear regulatory framework within Europe and beyond.  The harmonisation of global approaches for the regulation of medical software is urgently needed.