Brussels, 9 February 2010 – Eucomed, the European Medical Technology Industry Association, is pleased to see that the European Parliament has today voted in favour of President Barroso’s new Commission team. The association especially looks forward to working with John Dalli, the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Affairs, and his team to address his priorities such as “the development of effective and efficient healthcare systems in all Member States, leading to longer and healthier lives”. Eucomed is also committed to support Dalli’s underlying approach of “patients first”, as this could be pursued in ways that do not strangle the SME-led industry or restrict its competitiveness. Additionally, Eucomed welcomes Dalli’s announcement to actively contribute to President Barroso’s overarching objectives of enhancing sustainability, competitiveness and innovation in Europe for the benefit of the citizen.
John Wilkinson, Chief executive of Eucomed says: “A new Commission always brings new challenges for an association like ours as we need to work with many new people. At the same time, it is an opportunity to demonstrate the benefits that the medical technology industry brings to society. In that sense, the Exploratory Process will already help us considerably to raise awareness and to improve understanding of our sector.”
DG SANCO is important to the medical technology industry but Eucomed is also looking forward to actively working with the other Commissioners from DG Trade, DG Digital Agenda (former DG Information & Society), DG Industry and Entrepreneurship, and DG Research, Innovation and Science. “Our sector is one of the most innovative in Europe and contributes effectively to achieving their goals” he adds.
The new Commissioners are appointed for a period of 5 years.
Eucomed is the Voice of the medical technology industry in Europe. Eucomed represents directly and indirectly 4500 designers, manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and amelioration of disease and disability. Small and medium sized companies make up more than 80% of this sector. The European medical technology industry invests some €5.8 billion in R&D and employs near to 530,000 highly skilled workers. The mission of Eucomed is to improve patient and clinician access to modern, innovative and reliable medical technology.
Mark Grossien
Director Communications and External Affairs
mark.grossien(at)eucomed(dot)be
+32 (0)2.775.92.24
