Brussels, 08/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Conciliation Committee, attended, among others, by Commissioner David Byrne, Spanish Health Minister Celia Villalobos, Parliament Vice-President Renzo Imbeni (DS) and EP Rapporteur Giorgios Traketellis (ND), finally reached an agreement on the joint project with a view to final adoption of the new Community programme on public health.
During an earlier meeting, no agreement could be reached on the budget of this programme (see EUROPE of 25 April, p.13). The Council finally agreed to increase its last offer of EUR 310 million by 2 million. The Parliament delegation gave its agreement for the sum of EUR 312 million, which was accompanied by a European Commission declaration indicating that it will propose, if this appears necessary, revision of the budgetary allocation in order to take any additional needs arising from enlargement into account during implementation of the programme. In another declaration, the Commission points out that it will take the measures required for reorganising its services and the functioning of the new management committee early 2003. It will also take provisions needed for the participation of scientific and technical experts, who will be working with its services in implementing the actions of the programme, as soon as possible. Regarding the setting up of an agency responsible for the implementation of some of the programme's actions, the Commission stresses it will be necessary to await the adoption, by the Council, of the proposal of regulation on externalisation. The creation of this agency will then require presentation of a specific proposal.
Speaking of a "superb agreement", the Spanish Minister told the press that the Council has made a "considerable effort" by agreeing to the sum of EUR 312 million, whereas, just one year ago, it did not wish to go beyond 280 million. Commissioner Byrne expressed his joy at what he called this "good result for public health". Vice-President Imbeni recalled that the new programme will replace the eight action programmes that have existed so far. It will begin on 1 January 2003 and will last six years. Mr Byrne and Mr Trakatellis believe this programme goes much further than just the sum total of specific programmes. The Commissioner stressed it will also cover aspects linked to bioterrorism and that the creation of an agency for surveillance of contagious diseases is envisaged. Mr Trakatellis, too, insisted on the "very ambitious" nature of this programme, and stressed that it allows one to move from a targeted approach on certain specific diseases to a more overall vision of health problems and of all the factors that lead to the development of such problems.