My European Civil Voice - Zoltán Massay-Kosubek @EU_ZMK

Illiberal Hungary, as a Result of Historical Frustrations – One Way Road?

April 16, 2018

Both Europe and Hungary were surprised one week ago by witnessing the third, landslide victory of Viktor Orbán, with unexpectedly high participation, resulting a consitutional supermajority. Were the elections fair and democratic? Is the Hungarian illiberalism democracy or dictatorship? What are the cornerstones of the Orbán regime? What about the weak opposition? What are the… » read more

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), EU news & updates, Europe's East, European Integration, Human Rights, Hungary, Visegrád alliance (PL-CZ-SK-HU)

Wind of change: Air and Health in 2019

March 28, 2018

In the context of shaping the Future of Europe, the health community can bring the Wind of Change to the EU institutional renewal process by making the case for the added value of EU action on air pollution at European, national and local level, by pointing out the health benefits. Why is air pollution the… » read more

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Air quality, Civil Society (NGOs), Climate & Environment, Environment, European Integration, Health & Consumers, Public Health, Social Europe, Transport

How to avoid ‘conflict of interests’ in EU health action?

March 19, 2018

Whatever is the fate of EU health policy and the Health Programme in the EU budget (MFF), it is crucial to avoid conflict of interests as regards decision about EU initiatives affecting citizens’ health. Putting health under the supervision of Directorates responsible also for industrial policy, trade or agriculture will simply not work and will… » read more

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Agriculture & Food, Civil Society (NGOs), EU Priorities 2020, Health & Consumers, Medicines, Public Health, Regional Policy, Research & Development, Roma

How many scandals does Europe need to clean its air?

February 4, 2018

It is astonishing that even the current, ‘doing less’ Commission which believes in no regulation and self-regulation, decided to act on countries breaching the air pollution standards. But is it enough to make a difference? How many scandals do we need until policy action on air quality is being seriously considered? Air pollution infrigements on… » read more

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Air quality, Civil Society (NGOs), Climate & Environment, Environment, EU news & updates, European citizens, Health & Consumers, Public Health

Health as a European Value in the EU budget

January 9, 2018

Following the White paper of the Future of the European Union, the European Commission plans to make its proposal for the next, 7 year Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) in May 2018 with the aim of having an agreed budget before the EU elections in 2019. While the European Commission discussed with high level speakers including… » read more

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Agriculture, Civil Society (NGOs), Consumer Protection, Environment, EU news & updates, EU Security and Defense Policy, Euro & Finance, Health & Consumers, Innovation & Enterprise, Public Health, Regional Policy, Science & Policymaking, Social Europe, Social Europe & Jobs, Sustainable Dev., UK in Europe

Hungarian Commitment to Healthy Romani Children post 2020?

December 8, 2017

While national governments, EU institutions and civil society met late November 2017 in Brussels during 11th European Platform for Roma inclusion to discuss education and employment situation of Roma, it seems that there is a Hungarian commitment to push for a renewed post 2020 EU Roma Framework mainstreaming healthy children. Is it rhetoric or will… » read more

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Children’s well-being, Civil Society (NGOs), Education, European citizens, European Integration, Health & Consumers, Human Rights, Hungary, National minorities, Public Health, Roma, Social Europe, Social Europe & Jobs

The Health Programme as the Lighthouse of EU Health Policy

November 26, 2017

While all stakeholders – including key Member States, Members of the European Parliament from all political groups and even the Commission’s own Health Directorate – agree upon the strong EU added value of the Health Programme, reducing EU health policy to the absolut minimum post 2020 is still on its making. Despite the worrying signs,… » read more

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

EU news & updates, European Integration, Health & Consumers, Public Health

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

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

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

[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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Air quality, Children’s well-being

‘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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

#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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

EU Roma Week for a positive post-2020 Roma agenda?

March 29, 2017

Genval, 29th March 2017 – The Second European Parliament Roma Week put the spotlight again on the issue of Roma integration in Europe and its future post-2020. What about the mid-term review of the EU actions on Roma: is the glass half-full or half-empty? And what is the role of strategic litigation for the Roma… » read more

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), Education, EU Priorities 2020, Hungary, Languages & Culture, Public Health, Roma, Social Europe, Social Europe & Jobs

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

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

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

[Guest post] Anti-civil rhetoric: reborn brotherhood of Hungary and Poland?

February 20, 2017

Brussels, 20th February 2016 – Shrinking civil society space in Europe and it’s impact on public health – a case of Hungary and Poland Co-authors: Dorota Sienkiewicz and Zoltán Massay-Kosubek It has been with growing feeling of concern to watch recent developments around the state of civil society of some of the Eastern European countries… » read more

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Civil Society (NGOs), EU news & updates, European citizens, Health & Consumers, Human Rights, Hungary, Public Health, Visegrád alliance (PL-CZ-SK-HU)

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

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

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

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

The European Solidarity Corps and Health

December 10, 2016

Genval, December 10th, 2016. – By launching the European Solidarity Corps – an initiative aiming at tackling youth unemployment and reviving the Europan solidarity spirit – the Commission did something unusual, something good: it delivered quickly an innovative European solution which may be beneficial for public health. The European Solidarity Corps is made for young… » read more

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Children’s well-being, Civil Society (NGOs), Education, European citizens, European Integration, Health & Consumers, Public Health, Social Europe, Social Europe & Jobs

Roma Platform: mixed responsibility or missed opportunity?

December 2, 2016

Genval, 2 December 2016 – While the European Commission tried to bring together all stakeholders including Member States, Agencies, MEPs, NGOs and Roma themselves to demonstrate strong commitment for Roma integration, the final outcome could be questionable in light of the low turn out, the limited plenary space for Roma to speak and the lack… » read more

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Children’s well-being, Civil Society (NGOs), Medicines, National minorities, Public Health, Roma, Social Europe, Social Europe & Jobs

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

, Civil Society (NGOs), Consumer Protection, EU news & updates, health and consumers, Public Health

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Health & Consumers, Public Health

, health and consumers, Public Health

[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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

, Agriculture, Global Europe, health and consumers, Human Rights, Medicines, Public Health, sustainable development, Trade

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

, Civil Society (NGOs), health and consumers, Medicines, Public Health

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

, Civil Society (NGOs), health and consumers, Public Health

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

, Civil Society (NGOs), health and consumers, Medicines, Public Health, Research & Development, Trade

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

, Agriculture & Food, Civil Society (NGOs), Consumer Protection, health and consumers, Hungary, Public Health

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

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

, Civil Society (NGOs), Consumer Protection, EU Priorities 2020, Global Europe, health and consumers, Medicines, Public Health, sustainable development, Trade

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

, EU news & updates, health and consumers, Public Health, sustainable development

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

, Civil Society (NGOs), EU news & updates, health and consumers, Public Health, Trade

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

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

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

, Civil Society (NGOs), health and consumers, Medicines, Public Health, Research & Development, Trade

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

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

, Civil Society (NGOs), Consumer Protection, Global Europe, health and consumers, Medicines, Public Health, Trade

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

Posted by My European Civil Voice @EU_ZMK

Global Europe, Human Rights, Medicines, Public Health

, Global Europe, Human Rights, Medicines, Public Health

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

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