FERS Meeting

3rd April 2009

Brussels

ERS Brussels Office

Who are we?

Peter Helms – EU Secretary

Nadia Kamel – Scientific Officer

Brian Ward – Policy Adviser

Location

Address:

49-51 Rue de TrévesBE - 1040 Brussels

 Tel: +32 2 238 53 60 Fax: +32 2 238 53 61 ersinfo.brussels@ersnet.org

On the Web:

http://dev.ersnet.org/142-brussels-office.htm

Main Activities• Influencing EU Decision Making by providing scientific

evidence and suggesting solutions to problems + challenges.

• Providing input to stakeholder consultations, organising workshops, communicating political positions, creating alliances e.g. with Smokefree partnership

• Awareness raising on lung health priorities

• Campaigning for greater research funding at the European level e.g. FP7

• Identifying synergies and areas of common concern with interested parties such as FERS.

EU Legislative Action:

“Your eyes and ears in Europe”

• Alert national societies to EU legislative and non-legislative proposals relevant to lung health

• Bring issues raised at national level to the attention of relevant EU institutions

How could Brussels Office support National societies?

Logistical Support: • Venue for small

meetings in a central location in proximity to European Council, Commission and Parliament

• Provide assistance to arrange meeting with EU officials

How could national societiescontribute to advocacy at EU level?

• Liaise directly with ERS Brussels office

• Provide data, evidence that can be used to formulate positions and policy statements

• Contact local MEPs on respiratory issues

• Identify national experts in respiratory

health + science who could contribute to advocacy at the EU Level e.g. during Year of the Lung

2010 Year of the Lung