Public health: Community action programme 2003-2008

The European Parliament adopted the resolution by Mr Antonios TRAKATELLIS (EPP-ED, GR). A large majority of MEPs backed an amendment increasing the budget for this health action programme to EUR 380 million instead of EUR 280 million as proposed by Council. This may now lead to a conciliation procedure. Amendments were also adopted on improving the effectiveness and cohesion of health programmes, on the general aims of the programme, on the establishment of public health quality standards and on measures to combat communicable diseases in the EU and Eastern Europe. On the other hand, the amendment to provide Community assistance with a view to supporting the activities of non-profit making organisations active at European level in the field of public health was not approved.�