The two most common antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections – methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and resistant Escherichia coli – caused 8215 excess deaths (5503 and 2712, respectively) in 31 European countries in 2007. They also accounted for more than 260 000 bloodstream infections, and over 370 000 extra days in hospital, at a cost of €62 million, according to a recent study (1). Less is known about these and other such infections in other countries the WHO European Region, where data are not reported to international surveillance systems.

Opportunities of a sustainable and low-resource economy/Green technologies can create jobs/European Parliament on UN Conference in Durban

The European Parliament today adopted a resolution setting out its position on the forthcoming UN climate summit in Durban (COP17) and its demands for the EU position. The Greens welcomed the clear message calling for the EU to commit to continuing the Kyoto Protocol, a key issue for the forthcoming summit. Commenting on the outcome, Green MEP Bas Eickhout, who will represent the Greens on the EP delegation to the COP17, said:

Responding to statements by Presidents Van Rompuy, Barroso and Juncker on economic governance in the European Parliament this morning, GUE/NGL President Lothar Bisky said markets remained unaffected by the decisions of the last EU summit and warned that speculators had "the next eurozone country in their sights".

On the five proposals announced by President Barroso to reinforce economic policy coordination, he asked: "do you have the courage and ability to stand up to the financial sector and prevent future waves of speculation?

"Creating a currency without giving it the necessary governance was a political error. We must admit this and, above all, correct it" - Joseph Daul in the debate on economic governance with Presidents Barroso, Juncker and Van Rompuy.