European Commission plans to publish in September 2008 a communication on "telemedicine and innovative technologies for chronic disease management". This communication will be the culmination of a process starting with the current consultation aiming at gathering expertise in all Member States. 
Europe has taken "another step in the realisation of the European Research Area, this time to the benefit of SMEs", according to EU Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik, who helped to launch EUREKA's Eurostars programme. The programme will provide financial support, from both EU and the EUREKA member country funds, to Europe's young and innovative companies, described by Mr Potocnik as the 'lifeblood' of Europe's economy. 
WHO and its partners called for increased research to improve patient safety. They emphasized the need for intensified research at an international conference opened recently in Porto, Portugal. The conference on Patient safety research: shaping the European agenda will examine evidence showing that harm from medical care poses a substantial burden in terms of suffering and death in Europe and around the world.