MEPs say ‘yes’ to new clinical trial rules - This week, Members of the European Parliament voted in favor of new draft EU rules on clinical trials that could represent a huge step forward for research on new, life-saving drugs. The purpose of the EU's Clinical Trials Directive update is to design simpler and more uniform rules that will encourage research while keeping patients safe. Read more.

European Medicines’ Agency (EMA) needs your input on quality aspects of medicines for older people - EMA has laucnhed a consultation on their concept note that highlights the need for a reflection paper on quality aspects of medicines for older people, and is seeking patients' input. To send your comments on this paper and for more information, contact  Sophie.Peresson@idf-europe.org. Deadline is 25 June 2013.

The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies launches new book: ‘Health in All Policies (HiAP): Seizing opportunities, imple-menting policies’ - This volume aims to improve our understanding of the dynamics of HiAP policy-making and implementation processes. Click here to access the publication.

7th European Patients’ Rights Day: 10 benefits the EU brings to patients - A high level of health protection, the right to benefit from medical treatment and access to healthcare - preventive, diagnostic and curative treatment regardless of financial means, gender or nationality. These principles are enshrined in the European Union's Treaty and its Charter of Fundamental Rights and the EU institutions are bound to them in their actions. Read more.

WHO World Health Statistics 2013 WHO’s annual compilation of health-related data for its 194 Member States has recently been released. It includes a summary of the progress made to-wards achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and associated targets. Click here to access the various reports.

OECD Publication: Waiting Time Policies in the Health Sector - What works? This book provides a framework to understand why there are waiting lists for elective surgery in some OECD countries and not in others. It makes recommendations for best practice and also reviews different policy approaches to tackling excessive waiting times. Find out more. 

Join Team Blood Glucose for the 100 Day Challenge! You have 100 days to run, swim, walk and cycle the 2,100km of the mHealth Grand Tour. Do it individually or as a Team! Check out TeamBG’s website for more info!

Diabetes Bloggers wanted! Tweet it, Post it, Share it! Join forces with the diabetes online community via an online directory for all diabetes blogs around the world: www.diabetes-blogs.net. Contact info@diabetes-blogs.net for more information.

Want to know what's happening in the diabetes community across Europe? Check our IDF Europe Newsroom for up-to-date information on campaigns, activities and developments in the diabetes field in Europe.

Today 31 May is World No Tobacco Day! Join the campaign and tell your governments to free themselves by banning tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Find out more about the campaign and read about 10 common myths on the EU tobacco proposal.