WHO launches consultation process on new European health policy and reviews implementation of Tallinn Charter

Copenhagen and Andorra la Vella, 9 March 2011

"Although the Belder report had been considerably improved through amendments, the policy of sanctions upheld in this report is unlikely to improve the situation in any sustainable way," said GUE/NGL MEP Sabine Lösing (Germany) speaking during the debate on the future of EU relations with Iran in the European Parliament this afternoon.

Unfortunately the basic philosophy of realistic future prospects is not developed in the report, she said, while stressing that the human rights situation in Iran is intolerable.

At its plenary session of 8 March 2011, the European Parliament adopted the ‘Report on Health Inequalities’, drafted by rapporteur MEP Estrela. The Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) warmly welcomes the adoption of this report as a step towards committed action against health inequalities in Europe.

Turkey's EU membership progress overshadowed by blocking member states

The European Parliament today adopted its report on Turkey's progress towards EU membership. The Greens believe the whole Turkish accession process is overshadowed by opposition to its membership by certain EU member states. After the vote, Green MEP and chair of the EP's Turkey delegation Hélène Flautre said:

Regretting MEPs' decision to maintain the most negative aspects of the Lange report on industrial policy for the globalized era, Portuguese GUE/NGL MEP Ilda Figueiredo said that while the text recognized the key elements for sustainable growth and employment in Europe, today's passing of proposals which insist on liberalization, synergy with military research, and risk capital make it unsupportable.