MEPs have voted through a European Parliament resolution on EU policy on the West Bank and East Jerusalem that firmly criticises Israeli Government construction and expansion of illegal settlements saying they constitute a major obstacle to peace efforts.

This autumn will mark the 15th anniversary of the European Health Forum Gastein, which will convene in Bad Hofgastein, near Salzburg, on October 3 – 6. The focus could hardly be more topical: “The crisis as an opportunity? Health in times of austerity.” EHFG President Prof. Leiner argues that the best way of saving money is not to reduce services for patients. Cutting the number of hospitals, and upping specialisation of clinics would improve both efficiency and quality of care.

"Community rules cannot be subject to arbitrary behaviour by member states," said GUE/NGL MEP Cornelia Ernst during a debate on the re-introduction of border checks in the Schengen area and following Council's exclusion of parliament from certain decisions concerning the border-free area.

 "Today we need clarity. We need to insist on our rights under the Treaty, in other words co-decision, and that doesn't mean just being consulted."

The European Parliament today adopted a report setting out recommendations for improving animal welfare across Europe. The Greens/EFA group welcomed the report but expressed regret at the failure to clearly call for a reduction in transport times for animals, one of the key issues for EU legislation. Speaking after the vote, Greens/EFA MEP Bas Eickhout (Netherlands) said:

Welcoming Cyprus President Demetris Christofias in his capacity as President of the Council of the European Union, GUE/NGL President Gabi Zimmer said that the group was pleased that "for the first time in the history of the European Union the person at its helm is a member of our political family."