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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 03-06-10

Midday Express: News from the EU Commission Spokesman's Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>


CONTENTS / CONTENU

  • [01] Striving for European excellence in clinical research to help cure cancer
  • [02] Noni juice and DHA rich oil approved for use as food ingredients
  • [03] Report on the Safety of Services for Consumers
  • [04] UK debate on euro membership
  • [05] Commission's reaction to Polish referendum
  • [06] Commission adopts Annual Programme for Croatia
  • [07] EU signs agreement with Israel on renewed participation in research programme
  • [08] La Commission et la Tanzanie adoptent un programme d'approvisionnement en eau et d'assainissement d'un montant de 44 millions d'€
  • [09] EU Election Observation Mission deployed to Cambodia for Parliamentary Elections of 27 July 2003 (EC Funding €1.55 Million)
  • [10] Autre matériel diffusé Midday Express 10/06/2003 TXT: FR ENPDF:DOC:Midday Express 10/06/2003

  • [01] Striving for European excellence in clinical research to help cure cancer

    A better and longer life for cancer patients through enhanced research efforts in cancer clinical trials. At a forum today in Brussels European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin discussed with researchers and clinicians, specialising particularly in the area of cancer, and with representatives of health authorities in Member States the best way of achieving this goal. Upgrading the quality of clinical research to improve patients' survival chances and quality of life, lies at the heart of the Commission's efforts to establish standards for good clinical practice. At the same time the Commission aims at boosting competitiveness in European research, and at ensuring a high quality of public clinical research.

    [02] Noni juice and DHA rich oil approved for use as food ingredients

    The European Commission has approved two novel foods for use as food ingredients after the agreement of Member States in the Standing Committee for the Food Chain and Animal Health. The approvals are for two non- genetically modified products, noni juice, and DHA-rich oil derived from microaglae. Noni juice is the juice of the Indian mulberry or morinda citrifolia that grows in Polynesia and other parts of South East Asia. The mature fruit is about the size of a potato and resembles a small breadfruit. The authorisation concerns the juice of these fruits as an ingredient to be used in pasteurised fruit drinks and is addressed to the US based Morinda company. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), rich oil, which is in this case derived from the microalgae Schizochytrium, was approved on request of the US based Martek Biosciences Cooperation for use at specified levels in dairy products, dairy analogues for vegans and lactose intolerant people, spreads and dressings, breakfast cereals, food supplements, dietary foods for special medical purposes and foods intended for use in energy restricted diets for weight reduction. DHA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid used since years in Europe and can be gained from various sources. Novel foods are foods and food ingredients that have not been used for human consumption to a significant degree within the EU before 15 May 1997. In order to ensure the highest level of protection of human health, novel foods must undergo a safety assessment before being placed on the EU market. Only products considered safe for human consumption are authorised for marketing. Regulation EC 258/97 of 27.1.1997 lays out the detailed rules for authorisation.

    [03] Report on the Safety of Services for Consumers

    The European Commission adopted a report on the safety of services for consumers. The report is based on a public consultation conducted by the Commission in 2002. It provides a basis for future EU initiatives on the safety of services. Research carried out by the Commission in preparing its report highlighted gaps in the availability of data on service safety and risks. Systematic data collection and accident monitoring is limited to a few sectors like transport and health. For other sectors, data are scarce and not detailed enough to interpret with any certainty. Consequently, in a number of service sectors, there is not enough quantitative data available to carry out a proper risk assessment, to compare risk levels in different countries, or to identify gaps and weaknesses in the existing national risk management systems. The report therefore suggests the introduction of a legislative framework aimed at monitoring and supporting national consumer policies. The tools which are foreseen are: procedure for an exchange of information, systematic collection and assessment of data on risks and procedures for setting European standards. On the basis of the present report, a new consultation will take place to discuss practical/methodological aspects and priorities, including the approach to be chosen.

    [04] UK debate on euro membership

    The European Commission has welcomed on 9 June the ongoing debate in the UK about euro membership. The report on the "five Treasury economic tests" presented by Chancellor Gordon Brown is a demonstration that the merits of membership continue to be part of the UK European and economic policy agenda. The "five tests" are part of this domestic debate. The Commission does not, in consequence, propose to comment on the analysis. In the same way, questions of a possible UK referendum on the euro and the timing of any such referendum are national ones. The UK has an "opt out" and therefore no obligation to join the euro under the current Treaty. We shall continue to follow the debate in the UK with interest while continuing to pursue further integration within the euro-area.

    [05] Commission's reaction to Polish referendum

    On 8 June, the European Commission warmly congratulated Poland on the outcome of the referendum. This decision is a turning point in European history. A great, proud nation is turning the page of a tragic century and freely takes the seat that should have belonged to it right from the start of the process of European integration. "The turn-out that goes far beyond what is usual in Polish elections confirms that Polish citizens were fully aware of the historical choice to be made", Commission President Romano Prodi. "This is what I call the wisdom of a nation". President Kwasniewski had a telephone conversation with President Prodi who congratulated the Polish President. This clear-cut outcome confirms the courage and consistency with which Poland went through fourteen years of transformation to become a modern democracy, a functioning market economy and eventually a member of the European Union. "The yes-votes reflect the strong European commitment of Poland and will also bring fresh air for completing the preparations for accession", underlined Enlargement Commissioner Günter Verheugen. "The Commission is fully convinced that the European enthusiasm of Poland will be a strong asset in the enlarged EU and will enable us to grasp the opportunities that enlargement offers. Welcome and thank you Poland !"

    [06] Commission adopts Annual Programme for Croatia

    The European Commission has adopted its Annual Programme for Croatia. In 2003, within the Community Assistance for Reconstruction, Development and Stabilisation (CARDS) Programme, a total of €62 million will be spent in assisting Croatia in its reform and modernisation efforts. Since 1991, the European Union has been the largest assistance donor to the Western Balkans.

    [07] EU signs agreement with Israel on renewed participation in research programme

    The European Commission today renewed its agreement on scientific and technological cooperation with Israel. The new agreement will cover Israeli participation from the outset of the 6th EU Research Framework Programme (FP6 2003-2006). Israel will contribute to the overall budget (€16.27 billion Israel will not participate in the EURATOM programme) with €192 million. In the last five years, Israeli partners have participated in 612 EU-sponsored research projects, of which 147 were coordinated by Israeli project leaders. 47% of Israeli participants were universities, 37% enterprises and 16% public research centres and organisations. Israeli scientists have participated in EU-sponsored agricultural and water- management research projects with Arab partners, including the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.

    [08] La Commission et la Tanzanie adoptent un programme d'approvisionnement en eau et d'assainissement d'un montant de 44 millions d'€

    La Commission européenne et le gouvernement de la République unie de Tanzanie ont signé un accord de financement "Programme d'approvisionnement en eau - Centres régionaux" au profit des trois villes de Mbeya, Iringa et Mwanza, dont la population totale avoisine le million d'habitants. Le programme sera cofinancé par le 8ème FED (Fonds européen de développement) de l'UE (à hauteur de 33,7 millions d'€) et par la République fédérale d'Allemagne, par l'intermédiaire de sa banque de développement KfW (10,2 millions d'€), ainsi qu'avec la contribution des Agences urbaines de l'eau et de l'assainissement des trois villes concernées (0,97 million d'€). Ce programme de financement, d'un montant de 44 millions d'€, sera le premier d'une série de trois programmes en faveur des services de l'eau et de l'assainissement des trois villes.

    [09] EU Election Observation Mission deployed to Cambodia for Parliamentary Elections of 27 July 2003 (EC Funding €1.55 Million)

    The EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) is deployed today to Cambodia to observe the National Assembly Elections scheduled for 27 July 2003. These elections will be an important event in the political development of Cambodia and a further test for the democratisation process of the country. Robert J.E. Evans, Member of the European Parliament (MEP), will lead the EU EOM. European Commissioner for External Relations, Chris Patten declared : "These elections represent an important test for the development and consolidation of the democratic system in Cambodia. The European Union is firmly committed to supporting this process, which will be strengthened by the presence of international observers."

    [10] Autre matériel diffusé

    Note sur la préparation du Conseil Agriculture et Pêche

    Questions / réponses sur les propositions de réforme de la PAC présentées par la Commission

    Discours de M. Prodi : "L'Europe et les jeunes, l'Europe pour les jeunes" à la Fondazione Zanotto à l'occasion de la présentation de l'étude 'Les jeunes et l'épargne' (06/06, Vérone)

    Discours de Mme de Palacio : "Avances para unos servicios energéticos de calidad: limpios, baratos y seguros" devant la commission ITRE du PE

    Discours de Mme de Palacio : "Pour une véritable politique du transport maritime" à l'assemblée générale de l'Union royale des Armateurs belges (! embargo 15h00 !)

    Opening speech by Franz Fischler at the Regional Workshop on Recovery Plans for South Western Stocks

    Discours de M. Fischler : "Strategieplanung 2004" devant la commission Pêche du PE

    Speech by Philippe Busquin : "Organising brain research in Europe" at the opening ceremony of the 'European Brain Council'

    Discours de M. Busquin : "La recherche clinique: composante essentielle de l'espace européen de la recherche" au Symposium 'Impact of Legislation for conducting cancer clinical trials and tissue Research'

    Speech by David Byrne : "The EEJ-Net: an important tool to help consumers resolving cross-border disputes with traders" at the European Extra- Judicial Network Conference


    From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/
    © ECSC - EC - EAEC, Brussels-Luxembourg, 1995, 1996


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