European Parliament
De Rossa (PSE ).
Madam President, it is excellent that we are dealing with this European health card on a first reading. We should bear in mind, as the Commissioner has pointed out, that it has taken two and a half years to get to this point through negotiations with five presidencies. Nevertheless, this is a tangible reality for citizens of Europe. It is a tangible way of bringing Europe closer to the citizens and I would support the view that this card should, in fact, have a European logo and should be very clearly identified as a European benefit for citizens.
The forms that it is replacing – E111, E128, E110, and E119 – sound more like food additives than health passports, but I am pleased that this card will now replace those in good time.
We also need to insist – rather than simply recommending – that Member States ensure people know that this card is available, that they know how to apply for it, how it can be used and what their rights will be.

