Over the next five years the Commission will have to deal with complex legislation and international agreements which may endanger European health and food standards. In fact, austerity is already threatening public health systems everywhere across Europe.
This is why the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament today made sure that the commissioner-designate for health and food safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis, will both protect and enhance equal access to healthcare and safeguard food safety.
S&D spokesperson on these policy areas, MEP Matthias Groote, said:
"Andriukaitis showed a sound understanding of EU citizens' concerns and the will to work for more equal access to healthcare, including cross-border access for all. We particularly appreciate his commitment to investing in human capital in the research and health sector, where Europe has very competent professionals.
"Regarding food safety, he insisted that there will be no lowering of current EU standards. He also promised to work in an open and transparent manner. The S&D Group will monitor this very closely over the next five years.
"We disagree with the proposed structure of the Commission which means that medical devices and medicines will fall under the enterprise portfolio and we clearly want the interests of health to prevail over business. Both medicines and any technological products related to health should fall under the responsibility Mr Andriukaitis, who proved himself today to be a competent candidate for the post of commissioner."