Dalli lists his priorities as European Commissioner

John Dalli has listed his priorities as European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy in written replies to questions submitted by the European Parliament.

"The key challenges in terms of the Health Sector remain those related to the sustainability and accessibility of health services in a fast-changing demographic reality," Mr Dalli said.

"This challenge transcends national borders and is shared by the Union as a whole. It is a particular concern at a time of economic downturn where pressures on national budgets are increased. Citizens demand better services and when confronted with choice must be empowered as consumers to make those choices. This is not only true of the health sector but across society. As the single market is consolidated, consumers will seek opportunities and exploit them. In doing this, consumers are key drivers for economic growth and putting the right tools at their disposal is crucial."

Mr Dalli said it would be is first priority to complete the food chain strategy and to push for better regulation in the highly regulated internal market for animals, plants, seeds, food and feed, in order to boost the European agro-industry and to stimulate innovation while respecting the health, and interests of consumers and the environment.

"In this area the overarching principle remains 'safety first'. This, however, does not mean zero risk, or that we should not take action to enhance growth and innovation."

Another priority would be the development of effective and efficient health care systems in all Member States, leading to longer and healthier lives.

"I will seek to secure an increase in Healthy Life Years - the number of years which citizens can, on average, expect to live in good health. My emphasis would also be firmly on measures to prevent disease, as well as make affordable, safe and efficacious medicines available to patients across the EU.

"Indeed, the integration of the pharmaceutical area into public health is one that requires careful management and I look forward to the challenge. We must strive to reinvigorate this sector through innovation and enhancing its economic competitiveness. This is not in contradiction to the paramount principle of patient safety. All these areas hold great potential to secure significant health but also economic gains and to ensure the sustainability of our health systems in the future."

Mr Dalli said his priority in the area of consumer policy would be to keep the consumer at the heart of the functioning of the internal market.

"Primarily, I will continue to expand information to the consumer so as to empower them to make informed choices. I see this unfolding by firstly focussing on the promotion of the essential issue of sustainable consumption with a view to ensuring sustainable consumer behaviour but also that essential services remain accessible and affordable for all citizens.

"Secondly, I will focus on my share of responsibility for the digital internal market notably by ensuring that consumer rights are not compromised in online transactions. This will be a key contributor to the drive for recovery from the economic and social crises. I will work with Commissioners responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship and for Digital Agenda and with national authorities on these issues and I will also pursue further discussions on the subject of consumer collective redress.

Mr Dalli will be questioned by European Parliament committees on January 14.