Health policy

France: Smoking ban in public areas.

Smoking will soon be banned on the beach, in parks, at schools, bus stops and sports facilities in France. The measure aims to protect children and reduce the number of smokers in the country.

By Redaktion Table

Tobacco tax on e-cigarettes: Member states urge von der Leyen to act.

The Commission’s work program does not include the Tobacco Tax Directive. Nevertheless, 15 member states are pressing Ursula von der Leyen to present a proposal as soon as possible. Among the signatories is Germany’s new Finance Minister, Lars Klingbeil.

By Markus Grabitz

Medicine: Pharmaceutical companies under scrutiny.

China's pharmaceutical market is plagued by bribery and price fixing. In 2020, the government introduced a review system. Now it will be revised.

By Emily Kossak

Drug shortages: Commission presents Critical Medicines Act

The EU Commission has introduced the Critical Medicines Act to prevent medicine shortages and to make itself less dependent on China.

By Redaktion Table

Food: China must secure its food production

China announced plans to boost its food production. Demand for eggs, meat and milk in particular is growing.

By Emily Kossak

Authorities invest more in disease control

China plans to contain future pandemics with more special teams. Corresponding laws on epidemic prevention have already been presented.

By Fabian Peltsch

Gerhard Trabert – social practitioner wanting to join the European Parliament

By Redaktion Table

Pfizer refuses to provide information on new vaccine deal

The US pharmaceutical company Pfizer has renegotiated a contract from 2021 with the EU Commission. According to media reports, several hundred million euros in cancellation fees are at stake for Germany alone. The European Parliament wants to clarify the background. But instead of answers, Pfizer sends a catalog of questions.

By Eric Bonse

Tobacco tax: Commission to make proposal by December

By Markus Grabitz

Pharmaceutical package: Commission promises better drug supply

The Commission wants to give EU citizens better access to medicines with its pharmaceutical package. However, the Commission's proposal is also tailored to the pharmaceutical industry. New drugs may remain protected for up to 13 years.

By Charlotte Wirth