Text tabled : A7-0307/2010

  Hannu Takkula (ALDE). – (FI) Madam President, I think it is excellent that this historic compromise has at last been found between Parliament and the Council. I might say that this regulation on cross­border healthcare could result in the waiting lists that have come into existence in many Member States being dissolved. This would also be an opportunity to exchange best practices. In this connection, it is also important to ensure that the interests or rights of patients are established. Furthermore, it is just as important to remember that patient safety is essential when we engage in cross­border cooperation, and to ensure, at the same time, that there are proper standards of healthcare and treatment everywhere.

I therefore enthusiastically welcomed this report by Mrs Grossetête and I hope that it will promote public health in Europe and that, as a result, we can save a lot of people and speed up their recovery.