Outcomes of the WHO Regional Committee Meeting for Europe - Health 2020 – the new WHO European health policy framework – was at the centre of the September Committee Meeting's discussions. Member States adopted a set of core indicators to monitor the Region’s progress in implementing Health 2020 and achieving its goals. “Implementing Health 2020 demonstrates the commitment of all our Member States to better health for our European population today and for generations to come,” said Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe. The Regional Committee also urged Member States and the WHO Secretariat to increase investment in and strengthen efforts to support health systems in times of global economic crisis. Highlights of the 63rd WHO European Regional Committee can be found here.

The Environment, Health and Food Safety Committee (ENVI) of the European Parliament will vote on and accep the final report on medical devices and in vitro medical devices legislation on 22 October - The European Parliament is then set to vote on the report in a plenary session in November 2013. If the current draft report text is adopted by the EU institutions, this will ensure patient representatives will be involved in several advisory bodies, and in ethic committees. Patients will also be consulted on setting forms for direct reporting of incidents, and to ensure the information on the EUDA-MED database is understandable for the public. This will be a positive step forward for patients’ safety and people with diabetes. 

Mixed victory for tobacco control in European Parliament’s vote on 8 October - The European public health and tobacco control community cautiously welcomes the European Parliament’s plenary vote to start negotiations with the Council in view of reaching agreement on a Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). Even if not perfect, the adopted text does maintain a high level of protection of public health in some areas and advances EU tobacco control in several areas compared to the present legislation. Importantly, the Parliament fulfilled its commitment to deliver a legislative report on the TPD and to start negotiations with the Council with the aim to reach a compromise and ensure it is adopted by both institutions before the end of the legislature in May 2014. A joint press statement from the public health community is available here. To read a round-up of reactions on the European Parliament's vote, click here.

EU Advocacy close-up - There have been several developments at EU-level in September and early October on key files as regards health and chronic diseases. These include the Reflection Process on Chronic Diseases, the Reflection Process on Health Systems, the EU Strategy on Chronic Diseases and Joint Actions. A summary of all these developments is available here for download.

  Upcoming Events

 - 4th European Conference on Health Promoting Schools, 7-9 Oct., Odense, Denmark.  Experts from health, education and social sectors have gathered to share research, policy and practice on school-based health promotion. Click here for the event's videos.

 - Partners in Patient Health Diabetes Summit, 22-23 Oct., Washington, US - Improving patient and advocate engagement in medical innovation process to develop diabetes solutions addressing patient health and needs. Read more.

Call for Interest to Member Associations for IDF Europe Strategic Planning Working Group - In order to expand IDF Europe’s outreach, we have embarked on a strategic planning exercise. The overall objective of this exercise is ultimately to be more effective in achieving our common objectives and aspirations. To make it relevant to your needs and expectations, we need your input!

IDF Europe’s strategic planning will only be as good as you help us make it. This video should offer you a clear insight into the aim of the EPF capacity building programme, through which IDF Europe is able to develop this inclusive strategic plan. Please send your expression of interest to lala@idf-europe.org by 18 October 2013.