And it would be a pity if the opportunity is missed. But the health of people in the European Union doesn't just depend on solid scientific research. It depends on what sort of Union people live in. Article 129 of the Treaty obliges the EU to ensure a high level of protection for people's health by actively promoting good health and preventing disease. Anyone in this room could develop osteoporosis.
Women are especially at risk.
The latest European Commission report on the state of health in the EU looked closely at women's health. It found that women are especially vulnerable to debilitating chronic illness. It also alerted us to the rising numbers of women hit by osteoporosis. This is the result of an ageing population. That we cannot change.