We have received now confirmation that the virus found in Turkey is an avian flu H5N1 virus. There is a direct relationship with viruses found in Russia, Mongolia and China.

Therefore appropriate measures are already in force

Advertising for tobacco products increases consumption. Advertising and sponsoring glorify smoking. They create a mood in which cigarette consumption is seen as normal and acceptable.

The commission has taken no chances when it has come to dealing with B.S.E., and the most stringent monitoring and control measures have been applied. Precautionary measures, including the embargo on U.K. beef exports, were...

going to farms, coming in contact with wild birds and so on.

The virus found in Turkey is avian flu H5N1 high pathogenic virus,

I can think of no other disease that would remain so low profile if such a high percentage of the population were struck by it. Mental health has been swept under the carpet for too...

I am very glad to have the opportunity to visit Nigeria and discuss first hand the avian influenza situation there.

The European Union (EU), we’re dedicating a pledge of 100 million euros.

The fact we have avian flu in Europe does not affect the possibility of a human influenza pandemic.

We do not know yet whether this (bird flu in Turkey) is the same virulent virus that has caused such widespread destruction in Asia,

We want a temporary ban. The proposal of the Commission today will be for one month so we have the time for further studies and research,

There is no reason to panic … even if we have cases in farmed or domestic poultry.

The EU, we’re dedicating a pledge of 100 million euros, which is roughly 120 million dollars.

The U.K. has made great strides in tackling this disease and has met all of the criteria that were set for the lifting of the beef export ban.

I am determined to bring this case before the European Court of Justice as soon as possible and will recommend this step to the Commission.

Then we’ll know how well these plans work.

This regulation will play an important part in the implementation of the food hygiene regulations, as the criteria can be used as a yardstick to test whether the good hygiene practices and HACCP principles are...

There should be enough to cover the percentage of the population that each member state decides needs protection.

Given that the virus is everywhere now, it’s a problem that will stay for some time.

in case of a pandemic, the EU is prepared to short-circuit the normal approval procedure for vaccines, which could take up to eight months.

But until we deal with the problem at source, the EU can never feel safe.

We cannot only look at short-term measures, we have to look at building the infrastructure.

Some member states have raised the issue of having a European stockpile, and that would be a strategic stockpile to deal with a first outbreak.

We have not reached the level of (vaccination) preparedness that we should have,

We have to be realistic, it’s a problem that will stay for some time in the future.

There should be no exceptions for sport events, like for example formula one racing.

It is a highly pathogenic and aggressive virus and we in the European Union have to deal with that,

We have the measures, we have the legislation, we have the experience to deal with similar problems. We have done so in the past, we can deal with it now and in the future.

It’s better late than never. The EU is interested in cooperating with Asia to solve the problem.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that the most appropriate risk-reducing measures are in place.

There is a direct relationship with viruses found in Russia, Mongolia and China, … highly aggressive.

The E.U. should have reacted more quickly to help Southeast Asia to tackle the problem.

It is understandable that the public is concerned but they need not be unduly alarmed as all the necessary measures are being, and will continue to be, taken.

The European Union can easily be described as the best prepared region in the world.

We need to react calmly.

We have surpassed expectations by considerably exceeding the estimated overall financing gap of around US$1.2 billion, of which $1 billion is in grants.

It’s the first line of defense.

We clearly want to do our utmost to prevent the spread of this devastating epidemic to the EU,

The message is that it’s safe to consume poultry meat and eggs in the European Union.

There is reason for alert, not alarm. There’s no reason for panic but we need to take all needed preventive measures.

There?s no need to panic. We have to advise the European public to stay calm. There?s no reason not to consume chicken.

A global threat needs a global response. The European Commission will play an important role in that respect. We have to take the health and economic impact into account.

Then we will decide when the month expires … whether we should renew it, or amend it or limit it.

Products from infected animals will not enter the food chain. Systems are in place.

We have offered assistance to Turkey and the measures we have taken against imports will be reviewed in the coming days, when we have the final test results.

There is a need for better and more widespread information about health issues in Europe. This partnership will help keep citizens and, in particular, patients and health professionals informed on public health issues with a...

The commission must ensure that EU law is upheld. I am sure that all governments realize that glamorizing smoking through fancy advertising can have devastating effects.

I see advantages in both (approaches) but it’s really up to the member states to decide.

We have not yet reached the level of preparedness that we should have. This is a global threat and there is need for international action.