About: public health
First lockdown in France improved air quality, avoided thousands of deaths
Several thousands of deaths were avoided due to the reduced emissions of air pollution particles during the first COVID-19 lockdown, the French health agency said on Wednesday (14 April). EURACTIV France reports.
Two-thirds of deaths of under 75-year-olds could have been prevented
In 2016, the deaths of 1.2 million Europeans under 75 were considered premature and could have been prevented, according to a report by Eurostat. EURACTIV's partner Ouest-France reports.
Africa takes steps to make medicine more affordable
Faced with the numerous difficulties of access to medicine in Africa, African states want to organise the market to increase local production, which currently accounts for 3% of world output.
Health care risks being forgotten in Brexit talks, industry warns
Health risks being forgotten in Brexit negotiations, potentially delaying the availability of new medicines and imposing large costs on manufacturers, public health leaders have warned.
Commission reforms meet with national ‘silence’, says frustrated EU health chief
EU governments are meeting the Commission's proposals to reform health systems with "silence", an exasperated Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis said on Thursday (25 January), pleading for more investment in prevention across the bloc.
New law on weightloss products could escalate obesity in Europe
New EU regulation on total diet replacement will take effect by early October, after MEPs voted in September to increase the protein and fat requirements in meal replacements, but the industry has warned that it may be ineffective and further aggravate the problem of obesity.
Netherlands finds second banned chemical on chicken farms as cost of scandal spirals
The tainted eggs scandal deepened once again on Thursday (24 August), as Dutch Health Minister Edith Schippers said traces of a second banned insecticide had been found on Dutch poultry farms. EURACTIV’s partner EFEAgro reports.
Regulating consumers?
Over the years, sales and marketing restrictions have piled up on food, drinks and alcohol products. Some are now beginning to worry about a “slippery slope” where tobacco-style regulations – and taxation – are being applied to a whole range of consumer products in the name of public health objectives.
MEPs go to court in bid to reform EFSA
Green MEPs have lodged a complaint to denounce the lack of transparency in EFSA’s assessment of glyphosate. They hope to change the internal rules of the agency to boost transparency and limit lobby influence.
Andriukaitis: Anti-smoking laws are of little value if they are not implemented
Member states should prioritise laws that protect public health because there is little value in having them if they are not enforced, the EU's health Commissioner told EURACTIV.com in an interview.
Regulating consumers, ensuring public health?
Soft drinks, food, tobacco, alcohol and e-cigarettes are among the most regulated consumer products in Europe.
Turning back the clock on EU health protection is unthinkable
As we debate the future of Europe, the EU must not abandon public health, writes Nina Renshaw.
Ian Duncan and the best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men
EURACTIV’s Brian Maguire chats with Scottish MEP Ian Duncan, the Conservatives spokesman for energy and climate change in the European Parliament, in the latest in ‘Over A Beer’ video series.
Don’t be fooled by CETA: It’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing
In his State of the Union speech, Jean-Claude Juncker called the Canada-EU trade agreement the most progressive trade agreement the EU has ever negotiated. It actually poses a genuine threat to the health sector, argues Emma Woodford.
Antimicrobial resistance ‘high on political agenda’, EU claims
The European Commission is determined to further strengthen its antimicrobial resistance action for the period beyond 2016, an EU official has told EURACTIV.com, dismissing allegations that the EU executive lacks the political will to do so.
EU criteria on endocrine disruptors insufficient, warns chemical industry
The European Commission's draft criteria for identifying endocrine disruptors in pesticides and biocides are "not sufficient" to protect people and the environment, the European chemical industry has warned.
Depression rises 80% in Greece, with women hit the hardest
A new survey has found that depression among Greeks has dramatically increased, with women being most severely affected.
Greek smoking ban ineffective
Nearly nine years after it became law, Greece is still struggling to implement a smoking ban in public spaces.
Commission defends public health in the EU
The Juncker Commission is often criticised by campaigners for its lack of health priorities, but the EU's executive still defended the state of health in the EU.
Romania in public health scare
A severe digestive infection has struck infants and children in Romania, with two fatalities recorded so far. Bucharest hopes these are not the first days of a serious public health crisis. EURACTIV Romania reports.
ExxonMobil under investigation over claims it lied about climate change risks
The New York attorney general is investigating whether ExxonMobil misled the public and investors about the dangers and potential business risks of climate change, sources familiar with the investigation said yesterday (5 November).
Dieselgate should act as a catalyst for the removal of diesel cars from our roads
The Dieselgate scandal has highlighted the dangers of NOx emissions and the justified public backlash should be used as momentum to make sure public health is not put in further danger, write Jordi Sunyer and David Rojas-Rueda.
EU urged to include health in all policies
SPECIAL REPORT / The European Commission is required by the EU treaty to follow a "health in all policies" approach, but this principle is often put aside due to inconsistency of single market rules, according to health advocates.