My European Civil Voice - Zoltán Massay-Kosubek @EU_ZMK

How can EU trade policy ensure equitable access to medicines?

October 10, 2017

High medicine prices is a key public health challenge in Europe and Trade policy – an exclusive EU competence can improve or exacerbate the situation. Free Trade and Investment agreements can make easier or harder for European governments to change existing policies to curb the costs of pharmaceuticals. Following a civil society dialogue meeting with… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Global Europe, Health & Consumers, Medicines, Public Health, Sustainable Dev., Trade

No comments

Back to the Future: Post 2020 EU budget predictions

September 27, 2017

Brussels, 27th September 2017. – The Future of EU Finances has been taking shape in front of our eyes. After carefully listening to what was officially presented on behalf of the Commission about the Future of EU Finances, I tried to identify 6 guiding principles which I think will shape and shake the post 2020… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

EU news & updates, EU Priorities 2020, Euro & Finance, Health & Consumers, Hungary, Public Health

2 Comments

State of the Union and Health

September 13, 2017

Genval, 13th September 2017. – Despite the specific demand of civil society to prioritise health and the call of more than 70 MEPs, health did not make it to be mentioned by President Juncker in the State of the Union speech. He expressed himself strongly on equality of opportunities and mentioned that children in Romania… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Children’s well-being, Civil Society (NGOs), EU news & updates, EU Priorities 2020, European citizens, Health & Consumers, Public Health

No comments

[GUEST POST] A food policy worthy of the name: are healthy food and trade compatible?

August 8, 2017

(Author: George Thurley, Policy Officer Healthy Trade and Food, Drink and Agriculture at EPHA) Diet is the foremost risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs): the average European consumes too much sugar, too much saturated fat, and too much salt. The share of people who are overweight or obese has steadily increased between 2010 and 2014… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Agriculture, Agriculture & Food, Civil Society (NGOs), Health & Consumers, Public Health

No comments

Health is a Big Thing!

June 6, 2017

Genval, 6th June 2017. – The European Integration is at crossroads, the EU is suffering from many crises, its legitimacy is questioned by populist forces and in order to respond to that what is the best idea President Juncker and his team could come up with? Bingo! Scrap the tiny health programme to alienate even… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), European Integration, Health & Consumers, Human Rights, Medicines, Public Health, Research & Development

One Comment

Making our cities healthier by unmasking them

May 2, 2017

Genval, 2nd May 2017 – Air pollution is a major public health challenge of our time. The public health context in terms of protecting EU citizens’ health and reducing the chronic disease burden and its associated costs to healthcare systems is a vital consideration in the debate concerning polluted air in European Cities. (source of… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Children’s well-being

No comments

‘Let’s Stop Budapest!’ – for Hungary, but by Hungarians

April 14, 2017

Genval, 14th April 2017 – Harassment of independent and critical NGOs, attempt to close the Central European University, mass anti-European campaign called ‘Let’s stop Brussels!’, violating Human Rights of Asylum seekers and antigypsyism resulting segregated education are the recent scandals in Hungary. If you look at them one-by-one and together, they can be considered as… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), EU news & updates, European citizens, European Integration, Human Rights, Hungary, Research & Development, Roma

No comments

#IstandwithCEU: Illiberal Hungary’s Move against Freedom of Science

April 2, 2017

Genval, 2nd April 2017 – The latest plans of illiberal Hungary aiming at closing the Central European University (CEU) can be explained in the context of the 2018 general elections. As there is no potent opposition, the government desperately needs permanent war rhetoric & a popular public enemy. Attacking science and research can however backfire.… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Culture, Education, Hungary, Languages & Culture, Research & Development

No comments

Brexit, Article 50 and the Unknown Unknowns

March 27, 2017

Genval, 28th March 2017. – Triggering article 50 tomorrow is one of the known knowns. The exact content of the future EU-UK trade deal is one of the known unknowns, while the in-depth health consequences of Brexit are still unknown unknowns. Brexit means Brexit (On the photo – Infographic from the NHS European Office explaining… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), EU Priorities 2020, European Integration, Health & Consumers, UK in Europe

No comments

Alternative Facts about the Potential Benefits of Brexit

March 1, 2017

Genval, 28th February 2017 – I am convinced that nobody really wants Brexit because it hurts basically everybody both in the UK and in the EU. After hearing evidence, facts and data in the European Parliament, no one said any positive note on it. Nobody. Common folks, the King has nothing on! Brexit debate gains… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Children’s well-being, EU news & updates, EU Priorities 2020, Global Europe, Health & Consumers, Public Health, UK in Europe

No comments

By the European Parliament’s approval of CETA, pandora’s box is open for its unhealthy side effects

February 15, 2017

Genval, 15th February – Today, the European Parliament has given its consent to the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). In line with the usual European practice, CETA will be temporarily applied as from 1st March, a controversial practice which raises many eyebrows. This is a sad day for public health policy as now… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

EU news & updates, Global Europe, Health & Consumers, Public Health, Trade

No comments

Can the CETA Vote Raise the ’Dead’ Grand Coalition?

January 10, 2017

Brussels, 10th January 2016 – Many claim that the Grand Coalition (the legislative cooperation between the social and christian democrats) is ’dead’ but to believe it, it should be put to the test: the upcoming votes in the European Parliament on the approval of CETA, the EU-Canada trade deal will tell the truth. European Parliament… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Climate & Environment, Consumer Protection, EU Foreign Policy, EU news & updates, Health & Consumers, Public Health, Trade

No comments

TTIP and Health Sustainability: No Question Mark?

December 19, 2016

Genval, 18th December 2016 – According to the tiny human health case studies of an independent impact assessment, TTIP will not harm our health at all. I am wondering: how can an independent assessment come to that conclusion? According to the authors of the study, its impact on the trade of unhealthy commodities (alcohol, tobacco,… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Global Europe, Health & Consumers, Medicines, Public Health, Sustainable Dev., Trade

No comments

How to achieve coherence between trade and public health in TTIP?

November 27, 2016

Genval, 27 November 2016 – The author, who is Policy Coordinator at the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) argues that trade liberalisation policy can both support public health goals and undermine them. The potential for economic growth and higher incomes enable wider access to healthier lifestyles, while increased availability of cheaper processed foods, tobacco and… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Consumer Protection, EU Priorities 2020, Health & Consumers, Public Health, Trade

No comments

Can we read between the lines of the Tobacco Products Directive?

May 20, 2016

Genval, 20th May, 2016 – As of today, the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) has entered into force, and I was wondering whether we really understand what does it really mean for public health? In my opinion, the TPD gives the golden key for Member States to go further in the field of public health and… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Consumer Protection, EU news & updates, Health & Consumers, Public Health

, , , , ,

No comments

Fiasco to Big Tobacco: EU Action on Tobacco Control is Legal

May 6, 2016

Genval, 6th May 2016. – What are the 3 conclusions for the EU public health policy that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) dismissed the legal arguments raised by the tobacco and the electronic cigarette industries against the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD)? The ECJ has confirmed the validity of this key public health legislation which… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Health & Consumers, Public Health

, ,

No comments

[Guest post] Will #TTIPLeaks make TTIP more sustainable?

May 2, 2016

(author – Adolfo Costantini) Rome, 2 May 2016. – The recent leak of confidential Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) documents by Greenpeace did not cover the planned Sustainable Chapter and it is worth to reflect upon if increased transparency will help making Trade agreements sustainable. The adoption of Sustainable Development Goals in New York… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Agriculture, Global Europe, Health & Consumers, Human Rights, Medicines, Public Health, Sustainable Dev., Trade

, , , , , , , ,

No comments

Public Health in Europe – from my perspective

April 23, 2016

Genval, 24 April, 2016. – Disclaimer: These are the transcripts of an interview originally published on International Innovation (issue 163) in November 2014. The authentic version is available at the International Innovation website. How to improve the health status and life expectancy of Europe’s population while reducing health inequalities? Overview of my work as a… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Health & Consumers, Medicines, Public Health

, , , ,

No comments

Where is Health in the EU in 2016 – Back to the Past?

April 16, 2016

Genval, 16th April 2016 – Ironic. While there are – at least – three, “low hanging fruits” type policy proposals on the table for the European Commission to improve population health in the EU, we can only expect a 1 day conference on chronic diseases. Talk shaw or real action, this is the question. ‘Towards… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Health & Consumers, Public Health

, , ,

No comments

Why are Trade Secrets Harmful for Health?

April 11, 2016

Genval, 11th April 2016. – Because trade secret is so widely defined that it includes clinical trials data, and despite of vague exceptions, it can well affect clinical trials transparency which is key for patient safety and new drug development. There is no guarantuee that Pharmaceutical companies will not abuse it. Why are Trade Secrets… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Health & Consumers, Medicines, Public Health, Research & Development, Trade

, , , , , ,

No comments

Would a European Ban of Transfats Be Better Regulation?

April 4, 2016

Genval, 4th April, 2016 – Yes, it would, because – strangely enough – this time the industry is asking for more regulation: public health and consumer protection NGOs are united with processed food industry giants on the ban of industrially produced trans fats. Since this is a strange alliance of organisations usually having conflicting (private… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Agriculture & Food, Civil Society (NGOs), Consumer Protection, Health & Consumers, Hungary, Public Health

, , , , , ,

No comments

TTIP: the Road to Hell is Paved with Goodwill

March 30, 2016

Genval, 30 March, 2016. – Disclaimer: This is the English translation of an interview made by Mihail Călin and originally published on 25 September 2015. The authentic Romanian version is available at the euro-health.ro News/Media website. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the United States and the EU are surrounded by fierce controversy… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Consumer Protection, EU Priorities 2020, Global Europe, Health & Consumers, Medicines, Public Health, Sustainable Dev., Trade

, , , , , , , , ,

No comments

Big Tobacco Deal: Is the EU dealing with the Devil?

March 8, 2016

Genval, 8th March 2016. – The European Parliament is about to vote tomorrow on a tobacco agreement between the EU and Philipp Morris International (PMI) and it is at least questionable that the EU’s intention is legal, ethical or politically correct. At the same bed with the ennemy? From a legal point of view, according… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

EU news & updates, Health & Consumers, Public Health, Sustainable Dev.

, , , ,

No comments

Will TTIP Make Europe Sick?

February 28, 2016

Genval, 28th February 2016 – Right after the 12th Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) Brussels negotiations round, it is still unclear if the deadly link between increased trade of alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy food and the growing economic and societal burden of Chronic Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is recognised. While both side of the… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), EU news & updates, Health & Consumers, Public Health, Trade

, , , , ,

No comments

Is Health a Priority for the Commission?

February 7, 2016

Genval, 6th February 2016. – I am afraid it is not. Right at the beginning, the Juncker Commission prioritised profit to the health of EU citizens, forgot about health when defined its 10 top priorities, weakened pro-health legislation and a weak mandate was given to the health Commissioner. What is more important: patient safety or… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

EU Priorities 2020, European Integration, Health & Consumers, Medicines, Public Health

, , , ,

No comments

Did We (Temporarily) Loose the Trade Secrets Directive?

January 31, 2016

Genval, 31st January 2016. – Is it really apropriate to raise this question, after the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs (JURI) Committee has endorsed a trilogue deal with the Council on Trade Secrets with an overwhelming political majority (EPP-S&D-ECR-ALDE-EFDD-ENF(!))? I think it is as I believe some of the key public interest concerns were not taken… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Health & Consumers, Medicines, Public Health, Research & Development, Trade

, , , , , ,

No comments

Transatlantic Rupture during Transatlantic Dialogue?

January 27, 2016

Genval, 27th January 2016 – While attending yesterday the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD) conference on the precautionary principle in the context of the Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations between the European Union and the United States, I have noted quite a few funny statements which made me think further. Here are some of them.… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Consumer Protection, Global Europe, Health & Consumers, Medicines, Public Health, Trade

, , , , , , ,

No comments

Who cares about the health of refugees?

January 23, 2016

Genval, 22 January 2016 – Refugees have became the most popular scapegoat of European politics and the No.1 challenge of the European integration. While media focuses mainly on spectacular elements such as dismantling Schengen or emerging razor wire fences, little attention was paid to the health status of refugees so far. This is why I… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Global Europe, Human Rights, Medicines, Public Health

, , , ,

No comments

[Guest Post] Who Will Swallow the Hard Pill? – TTIP and Access to Medicines in the EU

January 16, 2016

(author: Laureen Missaire) – The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, a controversial international trade agreement, is being negotiated at this moment and will have some major impact on society and particularly on public health. The negotiations started in July 2013 and the most recent 11th round of negotiations have taken place on 19-23 October 2015… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Health & Consumers, Medicines, Public Health, Trade

, , , ,

One Comment

Business & Public Interest Groups’ clash on Trade and Public Health

January 13, 2016

Genval, 13. January, 2016 – The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) organised a public hearing today where civil society and business representatives had the chance to exchange views on the so-called ‘Trade for all’ EU Strategy. As regards Public Health, the EU Trade Policy has a major impact on our well-being and I did… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Consumer Protection, Global Europe, Health & Consumers, Public Health, Trade

, , , , , , ,

No comments

What did 2015 bring for Public Health?

January 11, 2016

Genval, 11 January 2016. – Very little I must say. It would be very difficult to me to consider the current Commission Work Programme ‘public health friendly’ as its 10 priorities simply and elegantly ignored public health. One of the reasons why the Juncker Commission delivered so little for improving our well-being so far is… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Health & Consumers, Public Health

, , ,

One Comment

Three Lost Cases for Big Tobacco in 2015

December 28, 2015

Worms, 28 December, 2015. – Why is this a relevant question for a public health advocate? Because of the deadly impact of tobacco consumption on human health and the shameless behaviour of the tobacco industry, as regards tobacco control measures. Concerning the societal harm caused by tobacco use, let’s have no doubts about it: tobacco… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Health & Consumers, Public Health

, , ,

One Comment

ECJ: No judgement on Alcohol Minimum Unit Pricing

December 26, 2015

Worms, 26. December, 2015. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has delivered recently its strange ‘yes and no’ decision on the Scottish Public Health Policy called Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) of alcohol. The Court ruled that in principle a public health policy which may harm internal market and competition (a policy making the cheapest alcoholic… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Agriculture, Civil Society (NGOs), European citizens, Health & Consumers, Public Health

, , , , ,

No comments

Blog (Re)Launch: EU ZMK’s Diary

December 25, 2015

Worms, 25 December 2015. After one and half year break I decided to re-launch my EU blog with a different approach. I will continue to share my thoughts about public health relevant European developments but instead of ‘blogging’ in an ordinary way, I decided to launch a public diary which will allow me to share… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), European citizens, Health & Consumers, Public Health

, , ,

No comments

Why Schulz could be the new Commission president?

May 27, 2014

Not always the biggest party gives the political lead. Securing political support is the Golden Key of political leadership. The same applies to the EU. I argue that Schulz and not Juncker holds better cards in that game. About European elections and the nomination procedure of the Commission President candidate The European Council composed of… » read more

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someonePrint this page

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

EU news & updates, European citizens, European Integration, Social Europe

, , , ,

No comments

My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Zoltán Massay-Kosubek is a Hungarian qualified lawyer living in Brussels, and he is an adamant advocate for better health in Europe. “The only wealth which you will keep forever is the wealth you have given away.” ~Marcus Aurelius

Zoltán is a passionate advocate and campaigner, strongly committed to the public interest throughout his professional career. As a Hungarian qualified lawyer, he has a proven record on effective campaign management and advocacy, including staff management and fundraising activities. He is a coalition builder and believes in the need to fight inequalities and social injustice. His competencies are based on effectively delivered projects, consultancy services to member organisations and campaigns. In addition to his native Hungarian, Zoltán is fluent in English, French and German. You can contact me at: zoltanmassaykosubek@yahoo.com


Advertisement