ALDE MEPs have welcomed today's European Parliament vote for a directive making organ transplantation easier in Europe.

Frédérique Ries (Mouvement Réformateur, Belgium), ALDE shadow rapporteur welcomed the development, saying:

"There are 60,000 people in Europe currently waiting for a transplant, and they need help now - and 12 patients die every day because they have been waiting too long."

"We are seeking new laws that will inform Europe's citizens, bring down administrative barriers and ensure high standards of quality and safety for donors and recipients".

"The time to act is now."

Antonyia Parvanova (NMSP, Bulgaria) added:

"A clear legal framework for organ donation and transplantation is essential to ensure safe, efficient and responsible cooperation across the Union. Today's vote is a great signal for all patients in need. It is also proof positive that Europe can work together to take the concrete steps necessary to improve the health of its citizens."

For more information, please contact:

Neil Corlett: +33-3-88 17 41 67 or +32-478-78 22 84

e-mail: neil.corlett@europarl.europa.eu

Euan Roddin: +33-3-88 17 24 31 or +32-475-59 13 74

Web: http://www.alde.eu