91996E3043

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3043/96 by Mireille Elmalan (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (18 November 1996)

Subject: European Blood Donation Day

In its resolution on blood safety and self-sufficiency in the European Community (Doc. A4-0094/96 ((OJ C 141, 13.5.1996, p. 131. ))), adopted on 17 April 1996, the European Parliament called for 'the holding of a European blood donation day'.

In the context of its proposals aimed at encouraging voluntary blood donation, is the Commission prepared to propose the holding of a 'European blood donation day' which might be held in all Member States on the same day every year?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (4 December 1996)

In response to the Commission's communication on blood safety and self-sufficiency in the Community ((COM(94) 652 final. )), the Council adopted a Resolution ((OJ C 164, 30.6.1995. )) inviting the Commission to define a strategy for reinforcing trust in the safety of the blood-transfusion chain and for promoting self-sufficiency in the Community through voluntary unpaid donations. This Resolution identified as one of the main activities that could be undertaken, the dissemination to the public of information on blood and blood products and on collection, processing and transfusion procedures, taking into account socio-cultural differences.

Public awareness about blood and blood products was the theme for a meeting of experts in Rome in April 1996, and was one of the topics addressed at a colloquium on blood safety and self-sufficiency in Adare, Ireland in September 1996.

Following these meetings, both of which were supported by the Commission, the Council adopted on 12 November 1996 a Resolution on a strategy towards blood safety and self-sufficiency in the Community and invited the Commission to submit proposals as a matter of urgency in support of the actions of the Member States using the conclusions and recommendations of the colloquium as a basis for its work.

In line with this invitation from the Council and following consultation with the Member States, the Commission will ascertain whether a Community blood donor day is the most suitable approach for increasing public awareness about voluntary non-remunerated blood donations and promoting Community self-sufficiency.