EU adopts new rules on organ transplants

EU Health Commissioner John Dalli welcomed the vote as "a major step forward for the over 50,000 European patients waiting for an organ transplant".

"This is a concrete example of how EU legislation can work to save lives and foster create solidarity in Europe. I look forward to a swift implementation of this text by the member states," he added.

Slovak MEP Miroslav Mikolášik (European People's Party), the European Parliament's rapporteur on the file, expressed satisfaction with the protection of donors and recipients via "the principle of altruism" - voluntary and unpaid donation.

"These principles governing organ donation significantly aim to prevent any commercialisation of human organs as well as illegal organ trafficking," the EPP Group said in a statement.

Spanish MEP Andrés Perelló (Socialists & Democrats), author of the parliamentary report on the action plan, said that "a successful transplant system is not only based on the solidarity of the donors, but mostly on the right use of the information and a good network to share this information. We don't want a person to die in Portugal, let's say, because we never knew that there was a heart or a kidney suitable for him in France".

Perelló also underlined the importance of public awareness. The report asks member states to look into schemes whereby citizens are given the option of directly joining an organ-donor register when completing administrative procedures, such as applying for a passport or driving licence.

Conservative MEP Marina Yannakoudakis (UK, European Conservatives and Reformists) said she was "delighted that MEPs have recognised that post mortem donations can not achieve the supply of organs needs alone. We have set up controls and guidelines to ensure that living organ donation can be widened, potentially saving lives and enabling people outside of the immediate family circle to help if they want to". 

Welcoming the vote, Belgian MEP Frédérique Ries (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe; ALDE) said "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," Ries continued, adding: "The time to act is now."

Bulgarian ALDE MEP Antonyia Parvanova said "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".