ALLIANCE FOR MRI

The Alliance for MRI held an informal meeting for members and a reception in the European Parliament on 25thJanuary. Please find a brief update on the latest developments below

Alliance for MRI "Meet the Experts-Reception" 25 January 2012

Rapporteur Ms. Morin-Chartier, and Ms. Trine Hougaard of the Danish Presidency and representing Council both expressed their aim to find a swift solution for the EMF Directive and the MRI derogation proposal. Mr. Armindo Silva, DG Employment and Social Affairs, confirmed the Commission's opposition to the proposal of the Polish Presidency to create a general derogation for all sectors at Member State-level which would create unequal workers' protection levels across Europe and would not take into account the unique case of MRI. He also confirmed the Commission's new proposal to extend the April 2012 deadline by 2 years.

Dr. Stephen Keevil, Stephen Pickard (EFNA), Heinrich von Wulfen (COCIR) and Sija Geers-van Gemeeren (EFRS) again reiterated that the safety of MRI is ensured through established MR safety standards.
On behalf of the Alliance for MRI, Prof. Gabriel Krestin, 1st Vice President of the ESR expressed his disapproval of a further delay of discussions which currently affects the work with MRI negatively and called on all parties to find a swift solution which will allow all patients in Europe continued access to MRI scanners.

Press coverage of the Reception can be found at: http://www.auntminnieeurope.com/index.aspx?sec=sup&sub=mri&pag=dis&ItemID=606021

European Parliament

Alliance for MRI welcomes European Parliamentarians support for the MRI Derogation

Prior to our Reception on Tuesday 24th January the Public Health Committee adopted with unanimity an opinion on the EMF Directive, fully supporting the derogation which is an encouraging sign and we hope that MEP Mme Morin-Chartier’s report will follow suit in the Employment Committee on 13th February when it votes on its draft report.

Initial discussions in the European Parliament have been positive. However, we need to ensure that there is strong support for the MRI derogation given the opposition in Council. The threat is that MEPs vote according to their member state positions.

Next steps: The the Employment Committee will hold its vote on 13th February 2012. The plenary vote is foreseen for March 2012.

European Commission

Risk of prolonged discussion on Directive

The Commission has proposed to postpone the April 2012 deadline for 2 years. The European Parliament and Council will have to agree on the length of the postponement by April 2012. Rapporteur Elisabeth Morin-Chartier would prefer an extension of only 1 year, while Council has not yet taken a position on the extension.

European Council

Threat: Limited scope of derogation due to lack of understanding

Danish Presidency plans further discussions on the derogation.

According to our latest understanding, the member state positions are as follows:

• Opposing MRI derogation: Poland, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Austria, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Spain
• Supportive of MRI derogation: UK, Netherlands, France, Latvia, Hungary, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Belgium, Slovenia

If you have relevant political contacts in Denmark, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, Portugal or any other of the opposing countries please use these to raise awareness on the issue to make sure they understand that the derogation for MRI is based on sound evidence and must not be compromised.
The Alliance for MRI can provide expert witnesses, template letters and information on MRI use in specific disease areas.
Please contact the Alliance for MRI Secretariat who can provide you any assistance you require.

Your support is Urgently Required

• Contact your MEPs ahead of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee Vote on 13th February to raise awareness of the importance of the MRI derogation for patients in Europe
• Contact Ministers of Health and Ministers of Social Affairs/ Health and Safety especially in Denmark, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Poland to highlight the importance of the derogation

The Alliance for MRI can provide expert witnesses, template letters and information on MRI use in specific disease areas.
Please contact the Alliance for MRI Secretariat who can provide any assistance you require.

ESR Office: Neutorgasse 9, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43-664-963-9950
Fax: +43-1-5357041