Towards a European Constitution? The European Parliament and the Institutional Reform of the European Communities 1979-84

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-98
Author(s):  
Wolfram KAISER

Drawing on archival sources of the European Parliament (EP), the EP Groups, and Spinelli’s private papers as well as contemporary media reports and 13 semi-structured interviews with eyewitnesses, this article examines the EP’s attempt to foster European union after its first direct election in 1979. In tracing the conflicts and compromises within the EP during the preparation of its Draft Treaty on European Union (DTEU) the article makes a three-fold argument. First, it demonstrates how this internal process enhanced cross-party cooperation on institutional reform in the EP. Second, it shows how the EP’s work on institutional reform impacted the inter-institutional dynamics with the European Commission and the European Council. Third, it elaborates how the DTEU, although not ratified, nevertheless constituted an important constitutional marker with long-term effects on European integration until the 2009 Lisbon Treaty.

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 385-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Finlay ◽  
Michelle Earby ◽  
David J. Baker ◽  
Virginia S.G. Murray

AbstractThe immediate patterns of injury from explosions are well documented, from both military and civil experience. However, few studies have focused on less immediately apparent health consequences and latent effects of explosions in survivors, emergency responders and the surrounding community. This review aimed to analyze the risks to health following an explosion in a civil setting.A comprehensive review of the open literature was conducted, and data on 10 relevant military, civilian and industrial events were collected. Events were selected according to availability of published studies and involvement of large numbers of people injured. In addition, structured interviews with experts in the field were conducted, and existing national guidelines reviewed.The review revealed significant and potentially long-term health implications affecting various body systems and psychological well-being following exposure to an explosion. An awareness of the short- and long-term health effects of explosions is essential in screening for blast injuries, and identifying latent pathologies that could otherwise be overlooked in stressful situations with other visually distracting injuries and, often, mass casualties. Such knowledge would guide responsible medical staff in implementing early appropriate interventions to reduce the burden of long-term sequelae. Effective planning and response strategies would ensure accessibility of appropriate health care resources and evidence-based information in the aftermath of an explosion.Finlay SE, Earby M, Baker DJ, Murray VSG. Explosions and human health: the long-term effects of blast injury. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(4):1-7.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 216-222
Author(s):  
Abigail Reay ◽  
Avinash Aujayeb ◽  
Catherine Dotchin ◽  
Ellen Tullo ◽  
John Steer ◽  
...  

Introduction: Research into the long-term effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues at an unprecedented pace. Many physical long-term symptoms of COVID-19 have been reported and include headache, fatigue, muscle pain and breathlessness, etc. Psychological effects are not dissimilar to survivors of SARS. There is limited qualitative research exploring the mental health impacts and experiences of hospitalized COVID-19 inpatients. Methods: A prospective qualitative study is planned to explore patient experiences post hospital discharge following a diagnosis of COVID-19. The research aims to gain an understanding of how COVID-19 affects quality of life (QoL) and functional abilities. Patients discharged from the hospital will be invited to take part in semi-structured interviews discussing their experiences of hospitalization and the impact of COVID-19 on their QoL. Interviews will be conducted at three and six months following discharge from hospital. This study will provide important qualitative insight and may inform clinical interventions and commissioning decisions. Trial registration: The study has Research Ethics Committee (REC) and Health Research Authority (HRA) approvals obtained from Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW) [IRAS project ID 293196].


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 2514-2521
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Glendinning ◽  
◽  
Johanna Spiers ◽  
Jonathan A. Smith ◽  
Jane Anderson ◽  
...  

Abstract To inform the development of interventions to increase uptake and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), we explored perceptions of ART in semi-structured interviews with 52 men and women from UK black African and black Caribbean communities. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using framework analysis. Perceptions of ART could be grouped into two categories: doubts about the personal necessity for ART and concerns about potential adverse effects. Doubts about necessity stemmed from feeling well, doubts about the efficacy of ART, religious beliefs and the belief that treatment was futile because it could not cure HIV. Concerns about adverse effects included the fear that attending HIV services and taking treatment would lead to disclosure of HIV, feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of starting treatment soon after diagnosis, fears about side effects and potential long-term effects, and physical repulsion. The findings will facilitate the development of interventions to increase uptake and adherence to ART.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina Zurek

Cautious skepticism rather than euphoric joy surrounds the activities of the European Commission developing its new – flexible – approach towards cultivation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Following its announcement in the summer of 2010, new elements of the reform unravel at the beginning of 2011.GMO regulation has experienced a rather uneasy track in the European Union. The specificity of the sector, with its economic importance, its social controversies as well as the high levels of uncertainty as to the long-term effects, have all contributed to various political and regulatory troubles in Europe and worldwide. After the revision of the first wave of regulation in 2001-2003, the de facto moratorium, and ensuing conflicts under the WTO adjudication, the situation seemed to be settling down.


1998 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Abrahamson

Research findings are consistent in showing a strong, specific and coherent association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and long-term psychiatric problems. Occupational therapists working in mental health services must therefore have contact with survivors of abuse, yet the literature reveals a paucity of research on their role. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine occupational therapists to explore their knowledge and practice concerning this issue. All respondents considered that awareness of CSA was pertinent to their profession and should be taught during education and training. None of them had received teaching in this area. Most respondents thought that it was not their role to deal with CSA in depth. However, the context in which they worked provided an opportunity for initial disclosure which might not happen elsewhere and needed to be handled skilfully. Occupational therapy techniques, including creative methods, link in well with other approaches, especially counselling, in treating the long-term effects of CSA. Continuing educational requirements and the role of occupational therapy with this client group need to be addressed by the profession.


2004 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 407-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Friel Raymond

After almost 50 years in existence in a variety of different forms, the EU finally has an express proposal on the table dealing with the potential withdrawal of a Member State. Article 59 of the draft Constitution states that any Member State may now ‘decide to withdraw from the European Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements’.1 The Member State would have to formally notify the European Council of this decision. The Council and the Member State would then enter into negotiations on a mutually agreeable basis for withdrawal, including a framework for the future relationship between the EU and the Member State. The results of this negotiation would require approval by a qualified majority of the Council after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament.2 In any event, withdrawal would occur not later than two years following the notification unless extended by agreement between the Member State and the European Council.3


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 952-952
Author(s):  
Julie Beitel ◽  
Allison Cammer

Abstract At the outset of the global pandemic, long-term care (LTC) homes in Canada were captured in media reports as the centre of Canada’s COVID-19 epidemic. An estimated 80% of all COVID-19 deaths in Canada were associated with LTC outbreaks as of May 25, 2020. Infection control measures have swiftly changed the environment in many LTC homes for residents, workers, loved ones, and other supports. Registered Dietitians (RDs) are among the many care professionals working in LTC affected by these changes. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine the roles of RDs in supporting LTC residents during the initial phases of the pandemic. RDs faced remote practice, redeployment to address pandemic priorities, or cohorting to a sole practice site, yet were responsible for resident nutritional health. In-depth, web-based, semi-structured interviews with thirteen RDs working in LTC in a prairie province of Canada were used to explore the changes to work, challenges faced, impact on residents, and innovations in practice. The findings from this study capture nutrition and wellness-related implications of the COVID-19 pandemic within LTC homes. Examining the initial response of LTC RDs to the COVID-19 pandemic can help in planning for opportunities to support or enhance delivery of nutrition care in LTC homes, both in the context of the ongoing pandemic as well as future practice.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramola Ramtohul

As a small island African nation, Mauritius is famed for its economic success, democratic governance and political stability. The Mauritian government recently embarked on a migration scheme geared towards attracting ‘high net worth’ migrants to the country. The scheme offers foreigners the possibility of obtaining permanent residence and naturalizing as citizens under specifically designed investment and residential programmes devised to attract private investment. While it is undeniable that this scheme has brought considerable foreign direct investment into the country, it has also caused discontent among the local population. Using media reports and interviews of key stakeholders in the press as well as qualitative date gathered from semi-structured interviews of key stakeholders, this paper examines the implications of the long term and often, permanent presence of ‘high net worth’ migrants on the local population. Public debate on this matter includes issues such as culture clash and diminished access to the beach for Mauritian citizens. Moreover, given the smallness of the country and the fact that land is already scarce, there is fear that facilities granted to foreigners to purchase property will have inflationary consequences and make property unaffordable to the local population. 


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Liliana Mâţă ◽  
Roxana,Maria Ghiaţău

Abstract The quality of training teachers is an issue of great interest in many countries throughout the world. In this study there is highlighted the growing importance of initial teacher training for future language teachers, which implies the need for identifying the areas of change. The aim of the research consists in exploring the perceptions of preservice teachers regarding the areas of changes at the level of the initial training programmes. A total of ninety-five stratified selected pre-service language teachers participated in this study. We have explored the following research questions: A. What are the areas of change in the field of pedagogical competences development at the level of initial training programmes in the perception of future language teachers?; B. Are there any significant differences between the perceptions of pre-service language teachers regarding the areas of change in the field of pedagogical competences development at the level of initial training programmes according to their year of study, specialization, and age? A qualitative methodology employing semi-structured interviews was used to allow flexibility in the exploration of the conceptions of pre-service teachers on the areas of change at the level of initial training programmes. The study is relevant and valuable by offering first-hand signalling of the “areas of changes” proposed as a result of their own representations, with the purpose of developing innovative initial training programmes, with positive long-term effects.


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