EU DEVELOPMENTS

  • Hearing of Commissioner-designate for fundamental rights in European parliament

 

Viviane Reding, Commissioner-designate in charge of Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship appeared in the European Parliament before the competent committees. She emphasized the need to re-establish the balance between security and justice in EU policies. She committed to ensure that every piece of EU legislation as well as the implementing measures undertaken by Member States would be scrutinized for their compatibility with the Charter of Fundamental Rights. In response to a question from ECRE after the hearing regarding the fundamental rights of third country nationals, Viviane Reding explained that she believes in the notion of ‘global citizenship’ which accords rights to individuals not on the basis of nationality but on the basis of the fact that they are all human beings.

Source: ECRE Weekly Bulletin, 15 January 2010

  • The Spanish presidency’s health priorities

 

Ms. Jimenez, Spanish Minister for health, emphasised that the new trio of presidencies (Spain, Belgium and Hungary) are committed to work together. Universality, fairness and solidarity will underpin all work throughout their six months. Asked about the Patients’ Rights Directive, which Spain blocked along with a number of other countries, Ms. Jimenez defended the principles of the Spanish position on this dossier but assured Members of the Committee that Spain would consider the views of all Member States. Many MEPs were pleased to see solidarity and a commitment to reduce inequalities included in the programmes of the Presidency.

 

Source: Spanish Health Minister discusses priorities for Presidency, EPHA

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