The passage discusses the challenges and limitations of harmonizing medical training standards across Europe, particularly in the context of the UK's response to European Commission directives. The Advisory Committee on Medical Training has been largely ignored and under-resourced, leading to infrequent meetings and hindered work. The commission now plans to delegate the task of updating medical directives to the Committee of Senior Officials in Public Health, composed mostly of non-doctor officials from health ministries. This shift suggests that harmonization of medical training is unlikely and misconceived. The Calman report, which aimed to align UK training with continental standards, is highlighted as an example of the irony of European intervention in postgraduate training programs, especially given the UK's high training standards. The report's potential impact on reducing specialist training duration and increasing consultant numbers is discussed, along with the likely negative consequences for British and European trainees. The conclusion emphasizes the need for a reappraisal of harmonization, recognizing the desirability and feasibility of diversity in medical training.The passage discusses the challenges and limitations of harmonizing medical training standards across Europe, particularly in the context of the UK's response to European Commission directives. The Advisory Committee on Medical Training has been largely ignored and under-resourced, leading to infrequent meetings and hindered work. The commission now plans to delegate the task of updating medical directives to the Committee of Senior Officials in Public Health, composed mostly of non-doctor officials from health ministries. This shift suggests that harmonization of medical training is unlikely and misconceived. The Calman report, which aimed to align UK training with continental standards, is highlighted as an example of the irony of European intervention in postgraduate training programs, especially given the UK's high training standards. The report's potential impact on reducing specialist training duration and increasing consultant numbers is discussed, along with the likely negative consequences for British and European trainees. The conclusion emphasizes the need for a reappraisal of harmonization, recognizing the desirability and feasibility of diversity in medical training.