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Thursday, 19 December 2024
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-05-11Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] Ambassadors briefed on Presidency priorities in educationHealth Minister Stavros Malas has briefed ambassadors of EU member-states here, on the priorities the Cypriot presidency of the Council of the EU. In statements following the meeting, Malas said that Cyprus aspires to highlight during its presidency policy issues such as organ donation and transplants, as well as the need to develop innovative healthcare methods.Noting that both Cyprus and other states are lagging in the field of organ donation, Malas said ``we will seize the opportunity to convey both to the Cypriot and the European societies the message that we should be much more sensitive to organ donation.`` Concerning research, Malas said the EU is at a critical turning point, noting that during the Cypriot presidency the EU research policy package for the next six years will be discussed, while significant decisions will be taken for the content of this package. ``As far as the content is concerned, Cyprus believes that the EU should implement what it pledged in 2001, that the EU will be transformed in the most competitive economy based on research and innovation,`` he added. With regard to the EU agenda on health, Malas referred to regulations to be promoted by the Cypriot presidency such as Health for Growth, noting that this is the main tool used to finance small research programmes for policies on public health. Noting that the European Parliament has several concerns on this proposed file, Malas said ``we are charged with defending this regulation in the European Parliament. [02] Labour Minister presents Presidency prioritiesMinister of Labour and Social Insurance Sotiroula Charalambous has presented the priorities of the Ministry for the Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council on Social and Employment Policy. The priorities, she told a press conference, focus on strengthening social cohesion-placing emphasis on child wellbeing, promoting the social inclusion of the elderly, active ageing and the strengthening of solidarity between generations in the context of the European Year for Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity.Priorities also relate to investing in more and better jobs, new and upgraded skills with emphasis on tackling youth unemployment, and strengthening the participation processes and the involvement of social partners, local authorities and civil society in the implementation of Europe 2020, especially as regards the targets of employment, poverty and social exclusion, drawing from experience on best practices at national and the European level. Charalambous said the main priority of the Cypriot EU Presidency is "better Europe" with emphasis on effectiveness, growth, solidarity and social cohesion and noted that Cypriot Presidency aims at a balanced approach that will focus not only on issues relating to financial stability and fiscal consolidation but also on supporting employment and social cohesion towards a better Europe. She also referred to the issues on the inherited agenda which are the Monti II Regulation, the Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF) Directive and issues concerning gender balance and violence on women. Cyprus, which joined the EU in May 2004, will assume the six monthly rotating EU presidency in July this year. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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