Welcome to the second edition of CIAA`s e-newsletter.

Many different issues have shaped the work programme of CIAA over the past few months.  During the summer, attention continued to focus on the implementation of the CIAA Nutrition Labelling Scheme.  On a less positive note, WTO negotiations were suspended in late July after negotiating parties were unable to bridge remaining trade gaps.  The suspension is a serious disappointment for the EU food and drink industry, and risks slowing the momentum for further trade liberalisation.

Addressing these issues, facing up to future challenges, and adopting a pro-active approach is something which CIAA and its members take seriously.  This year`s CIAA Congress (26 & 27 October) reflects this and is about tackling those mid- to long-term issues for the food and drink industry as well as the day-to-day challenges of markets and consumers.  Our last Congress focused on the challenges of nutrition and health for Europe. While we will be revisiting some of these issues, notably in the debate on obesity, diet and nutrition, we will also focus on a wide range of other issues over the two-day event.  These include: food safety, consumer issues, innovation and competitiveness.  Commissoner Markos Kyprianou will be guest of honour at the Congress Gala Dinner on 26 October.  You can register for the Congress and find a detailed programme on our dedicated Congress website www.ciaacongress.be

The Congress aside, competitiveness, innovation, better regulation, consumer issues and diet & health are the main areas where CIAA will continue to concentrate efforts in the coming months.  A number of high-level meetings, dinners and events are planned.  In October CIAA will meet with European Commission President Barroso and in November will hold a high-level meeting with Commission Vice-President G�nter Verheugen.  The key messages at each of these meetings will be the push for greater competitiveness, more innovation and better regulation.  There is also CIAA`s European Parliament Outreach Programme.  October will see the hosting of a CIAA EP dinner by John Bowis MEP.  CIAA will use this occasion to inform parliament members of actions and initiatives taken by industry in the area of Diet & Health.  Meanwhile, CIAA continues to work closely with the Finnish Presidency.  Recently CIAA President Jean Martin took part at the `Health in all policies` expert conference in Kuopio where he spoke of the commitments of European food and drink industries to act on the obesity issue.

Finally, a very warm thanks to all who have made helpful suggestions and comments on making this e-newsletter more user-friendly.

Daniela Israelachwili
Director General