It has long been accepted that greater wealth allows people to make better health choices, but does the reverse apply? Does greater health lead to greater wealth, both on a personal and national level?

The CPME and the other European Medical Organisations (EMOs) clearly express their opposition to the political agreement reached by the EPSCO council regarding the proposals of the Commission for a revision of the existing European Working Time Directive (EWTD)

These proposed amendments to Directive 2003/88/EC jeopardize patients’ and doctor’s safety in Europe and would penalize European health services as a whole through the reduction in the level of protection of both patients and doctors.

The CPME and the other EMOs urge the European Parliament to reject the proposals.

The leaders of the EPP agreed today that the European Union (EU) should continue the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.

During a Summit held in Brussels, they also underlined the necessity of avoiding any blockage of the EU by the current situation. In particular, they expressed support for the process of accession of Croatia.

The EPP leaders, along with the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Parliament and chairmen of the EPP member parties, debated the economic situation, especially rising food and oil prices.

The European Council would be well warned not to allow itself any form of arrogance against the Irish people, who only exercised a democratic right guaranteed by their Constitution. Instead of calling for the continuation of the process of ratification in an attempt to isolate the latest "black sheep", it would be better off getting down to the task of making a clear diagnosis of the situation.

Penalties for counterfeiting medicines are inadequate,
says Jean-François Dehecq, EFPIA’s anti-counterfeits champion

Paris, 19 June 2008 – Leaders of the research-based pharmaceutical industry meeting in Paris today have called for strong EU measures to tackle the growing threat of counterfeit medicines, including a ban on medicine repackaging, a harmonised EU- system of identification of medicines, and heavier penalties for trafficking in counterfeit medicines.