Health
Public health activists say eradicating tobacco must be a human right
Halting the spread of tobacco “epidemic” worldwide is a human right, which global leaders should recognise as such and take particular measures in this direction, public health activists told EURACTIV.com ahead of an anti-tobacco conference in Bucharest next week.
Pharma industry urges EU leaders to ‘re-focus’ on patients post-Brexit
The EU pharma industry has prepared for a hard Brexit scenario but this is not enough as EU leaders need to take specific measures to ensure medical supplies after the UK departure, EU pharma chief Stefan Oschmann has said.
EU citizens need health and well-being as a policy priority, stakeholders say
Stakeholders from different policy areas have come together to set broader, multi-sectorial priorities for health and well-being but also to make the entire sector an EU priority in the next legislative term, because it could help foster a "new and stronger economic model" for Europe.
Spirits industry bets on online tools for consumer information
The European spirits industry launched a new web portal on Tuesday (12 March) to provide more consumer information on liquors and other distillates. However, it is still unclear whether such initiatives are in line with the European Commission's objectives.
Commission dismisses criticism of EU sugar policy made in a post-Brexit study
A UK study setting recommendations for the country's post-Brexit trade and agriculture has challenged the EU's sugar policy of the last decade, saying it stimulated sugar over-production. The Commission stood up for its 2016-2017 sugar quota system and dismissed the claim as unfounded.
Industry calls on EU member states to pick up vaccination momentum
EU member states should take advantage of the positive momentum on vaccination push and make it a “cornerstone” of Europe’s public health, the EU vaccine industry has said.
Quality wine consumption is best way to tackle binge drinking, wine sector says
Getting drunk is not the point of drinking wine, representatives from the wine sector said at a EURACTIV event to celebrate 10 years of an international programme that promotes a satisfactory and healthy approach to wine consumption.
Brussels air quality tumbles, fails to trigger free transport
Fine particle matter in the EU capital’s air exceeded a warning threshold on Thursday (28 February) but did not worsen enough to trigger free public transport. In a separate development, one of the EU’s top lawyers urged governments to put monitoring stations where pollution is highest.
Report from two EU agencies confirms superbugs as a rising threat
No decrease in resistance to antibiotics has been reported in the latest study drawn up by the EU's top two public health authorities, which should be a cause for alarm, according to the bloc's health boss, Vytenis Andriukaitis.
Diabetics stock up on insulin over Brexit fears
Diabetics and insulin providers in Britain are stockpiling the precious medicine to avoid potential shortages in case Britain leaves the European Union without a deal in just over month's time.
EU Commission wants to support health systems better through structural funds
Many regions of Europe for poor medical care because there is a lack of doctors, money or infrastrcture. The Commission is now considering how the structural funds can help in a targeted way. EURACTIV Germany reports.
5 Star ‘very surprised’ by EU health chief’s jab at Italy on vaccination
EU health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis pointed the finger at the Italian government on Tuesday (19 February), saying decisions on vaccination should be based on science rather than "fake news".
Brexit turns EU into landlord in the City of London
The European Medicines Agency is looking to sublet its former headquarters in the financial district of London, after a British court ruled on Wednesday (20 February) that it cannot break its lease despite the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
EU Commission accused of ignoring science on e-cigarettes
The European Commission’s recent statement comparing electronic cigarettes to “poison” has prompted a strong reaction from stakeholders, who accused the EU executive of disregarding scientific evidence.
Health Commissioner Andriukaitis announces run at Lithuania presidency
European Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis announced on Friday (15 February) he would run for president of Lithuania, after some dithering due to his current institutional position.
EU pharma stakeholders take action to tackle fake medicines
A number of pharma stakeholders announced on 9 February the official launch of the European Medicines Verification System (EMVS), which will make use of new technologies to improve safety in the medicines’ supply chain against fake products.
European Commission compares e-cigarettes to ‘poison’
The European Commission is "reluctant" to sit with the tobacco industry at the same table to discuss novel tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, a high-ranking EU official has said.
‘Blistering barnacles’ and shipping’s big gas question
Natural gas alone will not help shipping cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new study, which means that alternative fuels and even barnacle-resistant paint will be needed to meet ambitious climate targets.
Poland reports atypical case of ‘mad cow disease’
An atypical case of BSE -- commonly dubbed "mad cow disease" -- has been discovered in Poland, though the isolated case posed no risk to human health, Poland's chief veterinarian said on Monday (4 February).
Pernod Ricard CEO: Informed consumers will make healthier choices
“Information is power,” the boss of French spirits maker Pernod Ricard told EU policymakers last week, underlining the fundamental role of consumer education in reducing alcohol abuse, particularly among students.
Antibiotic resistance, a threat crossing borders
The rapid spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria via birds could compromise the effectiveness of many anti-infective drugs. EURACTIV France’s media partner, the Journal de l’environnement reports.
Pharma industry raises the alarm about stockpiling of generic drugs
The industry of innovative medicines is concerned with a recent vote in the European Parliament on the stockpiling of generic drugs, saying that it causes uncertainty over innovation in the pharmaceutical field.
Formula One outpaces EU rule changes, for now
Motorsports like Formula One should not be included under the EU’s updated insurance rules, according to members of the European Parliament, avoiding the need to treat on-track crashes like any other road traffic accident.