Busquin calls for unified response to health problems EU Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin called for a unified response to health issues in order to combat the spread of diseases, when speaking at a conference on world health in Paris on 25 June. Commissioner Busquin emphasised the role that Europe can play in combating wo... EU Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin called for a unified response to health issues in order to combat the spread of diseases, when speaking at a conference on world health in Paris on 25 June. Commissioner Busquin emphasised the role that Europe can play in combating worldwide health problems. 'In the international scene, Europe plays a significant role in several areas. In that of research, it tries hard to present itself in a more unified manner to act more efficiently. [...] It [Europe] has recently taken several initiatives which should enable it to help solve the problems which call for collaboration and worldwide solidarity,' said Mr Busquin. Mr Busquin drew attention to the EU's work in the area of health, highlighting the 30 billion euro set aside by the public and private sectors for medical research. He also noted that of the ten industrial groups which spend the most to research, five are European. The European tradition in this field 'could and should serve as a source of inspiration for others,' he said.
