Eligible healthcare professionals' organisations

Biomedical Alliance in Europe is a unique organisation representing leading biomedical and scientific societies in Europe.

The Association’s principal goals and objectives are to promote the best interests and values of researchers and healthcare professionals organised in not-for-profit scientific medical associations and organisations, across all medical disciplines in Europe, in those general areas where common interest is identified.

Representation

BioMed Alliance is a non-profit organisation representing 30 leading European research and medical societies uniting more than 400,000 researchers and healthcare professionals.

Vision

The BioMed Alliance is committed to promoting excellence and innovation in the European healthcare field with the goal of improving the health and well-being of all European citizens.

Mission and objectives

• To provide a platform for our members to speak with a unified voice and interact with EU policy makers on key topics in the European healthcare field.
• To provide recommendations for policy and decision makers.
• To advocate for a EU regulatory environment that promotes European excellence and innovation in biomedical research and healthcare by adopting specific policy statements.
• To ensure that the European Research Area is supported with sustainable research policies and adequate funding programmes at EU-level to tackle future societal challenges.

Last evaluation: July 2019

The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) is the largest medical association active in the field of allergic and immunologic diseases such as asthma, rhinitis, eczema, food allergy and anaphylaxis.

Representation

EAACI represents over 10,000 members from 122 countries and over 70 international member societies, acting as the primary source of expertise for all aspects of allergy and clinical immunology.

Vision

We aim to provide the most efficient platform for scientific communication and education in the field of allergy and immunology, ultimately striving to ease patients' lives.

Mission and objectives

The Academy is a non-profit organisation aimed at:

• promoting basic and clinical research;
• collecting, assessing and diffusing scientific information;
• being a scientific reference body for other scientific, health and political organisations;
• encouraging and providing training and continuous education;
• collaborating with patients and lay organisations in the area of allergy and clinical immunology.

Last evaluation: December 2019

The European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) exists to promote the health of children and young people in Europe.

Representation

EAP represents the paediatric section of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), which is composed of delegates from European national and specialist paediatric societies that have a political voice for children and paediatricians in Europe.

Vision

EAP wants all infants, children, adolescents and young adults who live in Europe, regardless of race, creed, social condition or environmental circumstances, to attain their optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being, by making sure that there is an adequate workforce of appropriately trained physicians who are capable of administering the best possible care to children. Its vision is to make this possible.

Mission and objectives

EAP's mission is to provide practical assistance in assuring that the physicians who will be taking care of children will be competent to do so. It is to improve the quality of medical care provided to the children of Europe. The strength of EAP lies in the various existing working groups.

It aims to improve standards in training, service and research and to represent the professional interests of paediatricians in the European Union.

Last evaluation: January 2020

The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) represents Europe's clinical neurologists.

• Representation

  EAN currently has 47 European national neurological member societies, 1,150 individual members and 10 associate member societies.

  Vision

  • Excellence in European neurology.
  • A common home for neurological patient care, research, education and partnership in Europe.

  Mission and objectives

  The mission and objectives of EAN are:

  • to be a strong organisation for European neurology;
  • to take care of neurological patients in Europe;
  • to ensure high quality of European neurological healthcare;
  • multidisciplinary collaboration and partnership;
  • excellence in clinical neurological research – cornerstone of progression;
  • clinical and basic neuroscience – two interacting themes;
  • high standards in neurological education throughout Europe;
  • being a platform for teaching activities at European level;
  • raising public awareness about neurological disorders in Europe;
  • contribute to neurological healthcare worldwide.

Last evaluation: January 2020

The European Alliance for Vision Research and Ophthalmology (EU EYE) is a non-profit pan European group formed in 2015.

Representation

EU EYE constituency comprises major ophthalmological societies, biobanks and study groups representing over 9,000 medical specialists active in clinical medicine, research, education and training in 100 countries.

Vision

The ambition of the organisation is to build a respected forum which brings medicine, science, education and advocacy together and is accessible to all – citizens, decision makers, research and healthcare workforce.

Mission and objectives

Our mission is people-centred eye health care and the integration of research priorities, policies and strategies in eye health at European level.

Objectives:

• advancing interdependence of our members within a collaborative framework;

• strengthening the links to national societies and identify areas of work that benefit the patients in Europe;

• harmonising education;

• developing multicentre international clinical trial studies following the Good Clinical Practice regulations;

• creating new patient-centred translational and fundamental research networks in ophthalmology

Last evaluation: February 2019

The European Association for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (EACPT) was founded in 1993 as a roof organisation of European societies dealing with clinical pharmacology and rational drug therapy.

Representation

The EACPT consists of 32 European national societies of clinical pharmacology, representing about 4,200 individual members. Many of these are physicians specialised in clinical pharmacology or scientists in medical life sciences related to clinical pharmacology.

Vision

Improving the rational use of drugs and understanding of individual drug action in humans in order to improve drug efficacy and to minimise drug side effects.

Mission and objectives

• Promoting the use of clinical pharmacological services in healthcare delivery;
• Improving and harmonising the teaching of the rational use of drugs;
• Contributing to state policy decisions regarding drug regulation;
• Arranging scientific meetings, workshops and courses;
• Increasing the input of clinical pharmacological skills in the evaluation of drugs;
• Promoting high professional standards in prescribing of drugs, ethical standards in clinical drug research and the exchange of opinions in individual European countries.

Last evaluation: January 2020

The European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) is a working community of national associations of hospital pharmacists. Its membership includes representatives of national hospital pharmacy associations in almost all European Union (EU) Member States, in addition to Switzerland, Norway, Serbia, Turkey, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Representation

EAHP represents hospital pharmacists by continuous corresponding with the EU authorities in Brussels, via the board of EAHP and its staff members. The general assembly also encourages each national member association, through its EAHP delegation, to lobby with its own regulatory and governmental authorities in order to influence policy both at national and at EU level.

Vision, mission and objectives

EAHP mission:

EAHP represents and develops the hospital pharmacy profession within Europe in order to ensure the continuous improvement of care and outcomes for patients in the hospital setting. This is achieved through science, research, education and practice, as well as sharing best practice and responsibility with other healthcare professionals.

EAHP goals:

• To develop hospital pharmacy in order to promote the best and safest use of medicines and medical devices for the benefit of patients in Europe;
• To create a platform for the education and training of hospital pharmacists to a level of specialisation and maintain continuing professional development;
• To uphold the interests and advance the position of European hospital pharmacists within the healthcare systems, the EU and national authorities.

Last evaluation: January 2020

The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) was founded in Montecatini, Italy in 1965 with Dr Joseph Hoet as founding president.

Representation

The Association is based on individual membership and embraces scientists, physicians, laboratory workers, nurses and students. The membership currently numbers more than 7,000 individuals from over 110 countries throughout the world.

Vision

In 1999, EASD increased its commitment to stimulate diabetes research in Europe by creating the European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD).

Mission and objectives

The mission of EASD is to promote excellence in diabetes care through research and education.

Last evaluation: November 2019

The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) is a medical association dedicated to pursuing excellence in liver research, clinical practice of liver disorders, and in providing education to all those interested in hepatology.

Representation:

With 4,500 members, EASL is an influential organisation which brings together hepatology experts, has an impressive track record promoting liver disease research, supporting wider education, and changes in liver policy.

Vision:

EASL's mission is to be the Home of Hepatology so that all who are involved with treating liver disease can realise their full potential to cure and prevent it.

Mission and objectives:

EASL's purpose is to promote communication between European workers interested in the liver and its disorders. EASL promotes research concerning the liver; promotes education of physicians, scientists and public awareness of liver diseases and their management; acts as an advisor to European and national health authorities concerning liver diseases, provision of clinical services and the need for research funding, fosters European multicentre controlled trials, facilitates scientific exchange and the participation of Young Investigators at its meetings.

Last evaluation: December 2019

The European Association of Urology (EAU) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit organisation with the aim to advance all aspects of urological care, and bring organisations together working in the urological field as well as bordering specialties.

Representation

EAU represents around 16,000 urologists and caregivers involved in urological care, also including clinicians working in related specialties, scientists and basic researchers, both in Europe and worldwide.

Vision

EAU will be the leading resource for knowledge and setting standards in the urological field; providing a respected and influential platform for all their membership in national and international forums, aiming to promote public health and reform.

Mission and objectives

EAU aims to:

• promote the highest standards of urological patient care, by providing a complete and comprehensive learning environment to all caregivers working in, and interested in, urological care and related specialties;
• promote science and provide leadership and support, universally accessible to all those working in the urological field.

Last evaluation: December 2019

The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) is an independent, self-funded association of scientists dedicated to the science and treatment of disorders of the brain.

Representation:

The ECNP represents 1,200 of Europe's leading scientists and treatment specialists working across the spectrum of basic research, clinical neuroscience and medical practice.

Vision, mission and objectives:

ECNP's mission is to advance the science of the brain, promote better treatment and enhance brain health.

ECNP executes its mission by:

• facilitating the discovery and application of novel treatments for improving the quality of life of people suffering from disorders of the brain;
• providing a broad interdisciplinary platform for enhancing our understanding of the pathogenesis of disorders of the brain;
• integrating and linking new discoveries from basic research, clinical neuroscience and medical practice.

Last evaluation: December 2019

The European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) is Europe's and the world's largest professional organisation dedicated to the understanding and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and hosts the world's largest annual international conference devoted to basic and clinical research in MS.

Representation

ECTRIMS is an independent, representative, European-wide organisation devoted to MS.

Vision

The ultimate goal of ECTRIMS is to improve basic and clinical research and clinical outcomes in MS. ECTRIMS works with researchers and clinicians of its member countries and with other organisations that share similar missions and objectives on a worldwide scale, creating networking and collaboration opportunities.

Mission and objectives

The mission of ECTRIMS is to facilitate communication, create synergies, and promote and enhance research and learning among professionals for the ultimate benefit of people affected by MS.

Furthermore ECTRIMS aims to:

• support and promote basic and clinical research in MS in Europe and liaise with other related organisations on a worldwide scale;
• support education and teaching opportunities for professionals that enhance their ability to deliver quality clinical care;
• act as representative of the MS research community in its member countries.

Last evaluation: October 2019

The European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM) is a scientific organisation founded in 1996. EFIM was formed by bringing together the national societies of internal medicine in each of the European countries, both inside and outside the European Union.

Representation

EFIM currently comprises 35 member Societies representing over 40,000 internists.

Vision, mission and objectives

• To promote internal medicine scientifically (but also ethically and professionally)
• To publish research and resolutions
• To organise meetings and congresses
• To establish communication between specialists
• To provide information to private and public organisations

Mission and objectives

The purpose of EFIM is to re-emphasize the importance of internal medicine in patient care in a world of increasing specialisation. Education, research and the promotion of internal medicine are at the heart of the EFIM mission. EFIM continues to build programmes that will raise the profile of internal medicine and encourage greater collaborations of European internists in years to come.

Last evaluation: November 2019

The European Forum for Primary Care (EFPC) was created in 2005 and formally incorporated in 2011. A Board guides the activities of the Forum with current members from UK, Italy, France, Slovenia, Belgium and the Netherlands. The secretarial support is shared by the Jan van Es Institute and NIVEL, both in the Netherlands.

Representation

In 2013 membership stands at 84 institutional members and 44 individual members of local, regional and national organisations from more than 35 countries in Europe. In addition the EFPC has 21 associated members, representing international networks of specific professional groups.

Vision

The Forum intends to improve the health of the population of Europe and equity in health care delivery by strengthening Primary Care. We all can learn from each other and create and seize the opportunities to make sure all countries enjoy the benefits of Primary Care.

Mission and objectives

Strong Primary Care (PC) requires appropriate conditions at the health care system level and in actual practice. The EFPC collects and shares information about what structures and strategies matter. This is a support to practitioners but will also provide the evidence to convince policy makers at different levels that PC needs to be strengthened.

Last evaluation: December 2019

European Headache Federation (EHF)

Since its foundation in 1992, EHF (European Headache Federation), a non-profit organisation, has sought to improve the life of those affected by headache in Europe.

Representation:

EHF embraces 38 European countries sharing the common goal of dealing with headache diagnosis, education and treatment.

Vision:

EHF dedicates its efforts to improving awareness of headache disorders and their impact amongst governments, health care providers and consumers across Europe.

Mission and objectives:

EHF mission and objectives are:

• promote headache research and management
• train young doctors and others with an interest in headache as a sub-speciality
• spread public awareness and knowledge about headache

Last evaluation: December 2019

The European Hematology Association (EHA) is a NGO that promotes excellence in patient care, research and education in haematology, the medical specialty that concerns blood diseases and blood-related diseases.

Representation

With a membership in excess of 3400, an annual congress that attracts over 10.000 haematologists, and a journal (Haematologica/The Hematology Journal) that is the primary general haematology journal in Europe, EHA is the representative of haematologists in Europe.

Vision, mission and objectives

EHA aims to promotes excellence in patient care, research and education in haematology.

Last evaluation: January 2020

The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) was founded in 1947. Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases are among the most prevalent, disabling and costly chronic conditions affecting some 120 million people of all ages of the European population.

Representation

EULAR is the European umbrella organisation that in 2017 represents 45 scientific member societies, 36 PARE organisations and 25 health professionals associations in rheumatology from 45 European and neighbouring countries.

Vision

EULAR is committed to improving the health of European citizens. We believe that high standards in research, diagnosis, treatment and care are fundamental to achieving this overarching objective.

Mission and objectives

EULAR seeks to reduce the burden of rheumatic diseases on the individual and society and to improve the treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal diseases. To this end, EULAR fosters excellence in education and research in the field of rheumatology. EULAR promotes the translation of research advances into daily care and fights for the recognition of the needs of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

Last evaluation: December 2019

The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) is an independent cancer clinical and translational research organisation with mission to improve survival and quality of life. It delivers robust evidence for therapeutic progress for many cancer types.

Representation:

EORTC represents a volume of about 60 clinical trials open at any time to recruitment, including thousands of patients per year from more than 35 countries, 75 publications/year.

Vision:

To ensure the best standard of care for cancer patients: 

• All patients have access to optimal care, leaving no one behind;
• All patients achieve high quality of life.

Mission and objectives:

EORTC mission is to increase cancer patients’ survival and quality of life by generating robust medical evidence: design, coordinate and conduct multidisciplinary, clinical and translational trials, leading to therapeutic progress and new standard of treatment in care. Setting Standards: being a reference for methodological research and an authority in establishing the standards of treatment in care. Objectives of EORTC are to be at the forefront of changing landscape, by implementing new infrastructures, and systems for conducting research. To be a game changer and enabler, working with global multidisciplinary leading investigators to ask the appropriate questions and bridging the gaps between different stakeholders who define patient care. 

Last evaluation: December 2019

European Renal Best Practice (ERBP)

In an era of fast growing scientific and medical knowledge, there is need for organisations that digest all available expertise and knowledge into evidence based statements and guidance.

Representation

European Renal Best Practice is the guideline producing body of ERA-EDTA, the largest nephrology society in Europe, representing more than 7000 members.

Vision

ERBP believes that a free choice based on optimal information for both patient and health care provider are essential to obtain good health care

Mission and objectives

The ERBP Mission is to improve the outcome of patients with kidney disease in a sustainable way, through enhancing the accessibility of knowledge on patient care, in a format that stimulates its use in clinical practice.

Last evaluation: December 2019

European Respiratory Society (ERS)

The ERS is a professional society, devoted to respiratory medicine and science, open to clinicians, scientists and other health professionals worldwide.

Representation

Broad-based with some 40,000 members in over 100 countries spanning basic science to clinical medicine.

Vision

Our vision is to promote lung health in order to alleviate suffering from disease and drive standards for respiratory medicine globally. Science, education and advocacy are at the core of everything we do.

Mission and objectives

We publish a leading scientific journal and host an international Congress, showcasing the latest innovations and research. Through these activities we promote the exploration of new treatments and encourage scientific investigation in the respiratory field.

We support the next generation of respiratory specialists by harmonising education and providing crucial online training opportunities, funding for fellowships and high-quality medical courses led by experts in the field.

We provide a forum to bring science and advocacy together - putting lung health at the top of the policy agenda.

Last evaluation date: November 2019

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC)

is a not-for-profit medical society led by expert volunteers. It represents the cardiology community in Europe.

Representation

ESC constituency includes 7 ESC associations, 7 councils and 15 working groups, all representing specialties of cardiology, as well as 57 member national cardiac societies across Europe.

Vision

ESC’s vision is to be recognised as the leading authority for scientific and educational programmes which improve cardiovascular health.

Mission and objectives

ESC's mission is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.

To achieve this, ESC’s strategic areas of activity include:

• Congress
• Membership
• Research
• Education
• Advocacy

Find out more on ESC Strategic Plan 2016-2020’

Last evaluation: January 2020

The European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) is a membership society supporting research, education and patient care in endocrinology. It achieves this by promoting excellence in endocrine science and medicine, and by providing public information on endocrinology.

Representation

ESE currently has over 3350 members from 101 different countries.

Vision

Shaping the future of endocrinology to improve science, knowledge and health.

Mission and objectives

It is our mission to advance endocrinology. We unite, support and represent our specialty, promoting collaboration and best practice, and enable our community to develop and share the best knowledge in endocrine science and medicine.

Last evaluation: January 2020

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) is the leading European professional organisation committed to advancing the specialty of medical oncology and promoting a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment and care.

Representation

ESMO is the society of reference for oncology education and information representing over 20,000 oncology professionals from over 150 countries and 500 expert committee members.

Vision

ESMO is committed to offer the best care to people with cancer, through fostering integrated cancer care, supporting oncologists in their professional development, and advocating for sustainable cancer care worldwide.

Mission and objectives

• To improve the quality of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive and palliative care, as well as the follow-up of patients with malignant disorders;
• To advance the art, science, recognition and practice of oncology;
• To disseminate knowledge in oncology to cancer patients and the public;
• To educate and train people involved in clinical cancer care and research;
• To promote education in oncology in order to ensure a high standard of qualification of medical oncologists within the multidisciplinary team;
• To facilitate equal access to optimal cancer care to all cancer patients;
• To maintain liaison with other oncology specialties, cancer leagues, universities, patient groups and, where appropriate, the pharmaceutical industry.

Last evaluation: December 2019

The European Specialist Nurses Organisations (ESNO) were founded in 2008 and are a federation of European groups of curse specialists.

Representation

ESNO currently represent nurse specialists in the following areas:

• critical care;
• anaesthesia;
• operating room;
• diabetes;
• oncology;
• dialysis and renal transplant;
• mental health;
• neurosciences;
• paediatrics;
• nurse educators and directors.

Vision, mission and objectives

ESNO's mission is to:

• promote and contribute to the health and wellbeing of people in Europe: ESNO will facilitate and enable the political voice of nurses through collaboration with key stakeholders to strengthen the professional status and evidence-based practice of nursing speciality;
• secure the recognition of specialism in nursing in the European Union (EU) and wider Europe.

Among others, the following are the objectives of ESNO:

• to network for communication and collaboration between European specialist-nurse organisations and specialist interest groups in Europe;
• to promote the recognition of and the professional status of the specialist nurse at European level;
• to represent the Interests of member organisations;
• to provide expert advice on issues shaping specialism in nursing;
• to promote the development of specialist nursing education, practice and research;
• to provide specialist expert opinion in EU social, health, nursing-education and research policy;
• to respond actively to EU White and Green papers;
• to respond to EU Recommendations and Directives;
• to promote effective strategies in recruitment and retainment of nurses;
• to collaborate with key stakeholders on relevant position papers;
• to improve collaboration between interest groups;
• to disseminate information on relevant actions to Its members (website and internal communication structures);
• to invite experts to speak on political leadership issues at specialist meetings.

Last evaluation: December 2019

The European Society of Oncology Pharmacy (ESOP)is the leading European professional organisation committed to progressing the speciality of the oncology pharmacy and supporting the optimisation of treatment for cancer patients.

Representation

ESOP was founded in 2000 in Prague and is the largest organisation of oncology pharmacists in the world with almost 3000 members from 46 countries.

Vision

ESOP vision is to build up an innovative an diverse society community, which fulfils the changing needs of oncology pharmacists, provides quick, independent professional information and cares about oncology patients' needs.

Mission and objectives

The aim of ESOP is to support optimal treatment for cancer patients, to develop and promote clinical and oncology pharmacy practice through education and training, safe handling and administration of drugs, quality management, research and development and pharmaceutical care.

Last evaluation: December 2019

The European Society of Radiology (ESR), with its registered office in Vienna, was founded in December 2005 by merging the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) and the European Association of Radiology (EAR), thus establishing a single house of radiology in Europe.

Representation

The ESR is the European body representing the radiology profession with over 82,000 individual members in good standing. Its institutional member societies include 47 national radiological societies of European countries as well as 15 European radiological subspecialty societies and European allied sciences societies.

Vision

ESR's vision is to strengthen and unify European radiology and to ensure competitiveness compared to other radiological events and institutions, as well as to safeguard the general interests of European radiology.

Mission and objectives

The Society's mission is to serve the healthcare needs of the general public through the support of science, teaching and research and the quality of service in the field of radiology.

ESR is an apolitical, non-profit organisation, dedicated to promoting and coordinating the scientific, philanthropic, intellectual and professional activities of radiology in all European countries.

Last evaluation: November 2019

The European Union of General Practitioners (UEMO) is an organisation of the most representative national, non-governmental, independent organisations representing general practitioners / family physicians in the countries of Europe.

Representation

Founded in 1967 by the national organisations in Belgium, France, Germany, Holland and Italy, the UEMO quickly grew to encompass organisations from all the current Member States of the European Union as well as from the countries of the European Free Trade Association and other European countries.

Vision, mission and objectives

In accordance with its mission, UEMO aims to study and promote the highest standard of training, practice and patient care within the field of general practice throughout Europe and to promote the interests of European General Practitioners/ Family Physicians as well as to secure their freedom of practice in the interest of their patients. UEMO wishes to guarantee good health care together with the other medical specialties working together for the same goals. Striding towards a common goal with purpose, side by side, united as a single voice greatly increases our chances of success.

Last evaluation: January 2020

The European Geriatric Medicine Society (EUGMS) is the collaborating and coordinating organisation of the national geriatric medical societies of the European Union (EU) Member States and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries.

Representation

EUGMS represents all geriatricians working in EU countries and the 3 EFTA countries. EUGMS has the organisations of geriatricians in each country as member.

Vision

To foster geriatric medicine and medicines in Europe.

Mission and objectives

• To develop geriatric medicine in the Member States of the EU as an independent speciality caring for all older people with age-related disease;
• To support these services becoming available to all citizens of the EU;
• To promote education and continuing professional development, in particular a biennial scientific meeting;
• In conjunction with the geriatric-medicine section of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), to promote geriatric medicine to the European Commission and Parliament;
• To promote evidence-based guidelines for the most efficacious preventive and treatment strategies for older people in the EU.

Last evaluation: November 2019

Health Care Without Harm Europe (HCWH Europe) brings the voice of healthcare professionals to the European policy debate about key issues including chemicals, climate change and health, sustainable procurement, pharmaceuticals and sustainable food.

Representation

HCWH Europe is a non-profit European coalition with 74 members in 25 European countries of which 17 are Member States of the European Union.

Vision

Healthcare mobilises its ethical, economic and political influence to create an ecologically sustainable, equitable and healthy world.

Mission and objectives

Transform healthcare worldwide so that it reduces its environmental footprint, becomes a community anchor for sustainability and a leader in the global movement for environmental health and justice.

Last evaluation: December 2019

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) is an association of physicians and other health professionals working to improve and mobilise educational, research and healthcare resources that are essential in understanding, diagnosing and treating persons with epilepsy.

Representation

ILAE has national chapters, an executive committee, journals (Epilepsia, Epilepsia Open and Epileptic Disorders), offices in Ireland and the United States, and a strong regional organisation where Europe occupies a prominent place with 46 chapters.

Vision

To prioritise epilepsy as a major disease carrying a significant burden, and to serve all health professions as the premier resource for current and emerging knowledge on epilepsy care and research.

Mission and objectives

• To advance and disseminate knowledge about epilepsy in order to reduce the treatment gaps and stigma that still exist across Europe;
• To develop a comprehensive educational agenda, adapted to the diverse needs in Europe;
• To improve services and care for patients, including access to antiepileptic drugs and to surgical treatment;
• To catalyse collaboration on innovative research;
• To interact on these objectives with the national and European Union structures.

Last evaluation: December 2019

The Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU) is the European association representing community pharmacists. PGEU represents the pharmacy profession perspective in relation to legislative and policy initiatives at European Union (EU) level, which affect the profession or public health.

Representation

PGEU's members are the national associations and professional bodies of community pharmacists in 35 European countries including EU Member States, EU candidate countries, European Economic Area and EEA/EFTA countries.

Vision

PGEU's vision is that community pharmacists be recognised within national health systems as key health professionals making a dynamic and evolving contribution to improving the health of the communities they serve.

Mission and objectives

PGEU's mission is, as a rigorous, proactive and constructive stakeholder:

• to promote and develop cooperation in community pharmacy among the European nations;
• to advocate for the contribution that community pharmacists make to health systems and to public health through the provision of health services and the promotion of the rational and appropriate use of medicines;
• to ensure the vision of community pharmacy is reflected in EU policy and legislative developments.

PGEU's main objective is to develop the contribution of community pharmacists to European health systems.

Last evaluation: December 2019

The Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) is an international non-profit-making association incorporated in Belgium representing the European medical profession since 1959.

Representation

CPME represents the National Medical Associations across Europe, including the National Medical Associations of countries that have applied for EU membership as well as observer members and specialised European medical associations.

Vision

CPME aims to promote the highest standards of medical training and medical practice in order to achieve the highest quality of health care for all patients in Europe.

Mission and objectives

CPME is committed to contributing the medical profession's point of view to EU institutions and European policy-making through pro-active cooperation on a wide range of health and healthcare related issues. More information is available on the CPME website.

Last evaluation: November 2019

United European Gastroenterology (UEG) is a professional non-profit organisation, founded in 1992, comprising all major European societies with an interest in diseases of the digestive system.

Representation

UEG's member societies include the fields of medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy, and represent over 22,000 European specialists.

Vision

UEG strives to raise awareness and to expand knowledge of digestive and liver diseases at European level, to foster strong European scientific work and to promote a multidisciplinary approach in education.

Mission and objectives

To continually improve standards of care and promote understanding for digestive and liver diseases. UEG organises a scientific meeting annually (UEG week) with over 14,000 participants. UEG promotes education and training through courses, scholarships and grants. UEG also promotes research to improve the prevention, diagnosis and therapy of digestive diseases and public health by organising a public information forum every year at the time of the UEG week and by raising awareness about digestive health issues in the European Commission and Parliament.

Last evaluation: November 2019

WONCA is an acronym comprising the first five initials of the World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians. The European Regional Branch, WONCA Europe, is the academic and scientific society for general practice/family medicine in Europe. 

Representation:

We represent 47 member organisations, that is National Colleges, Academies, or Academic Associations of General Practice/Family Medicine which are representative of General Practitioners/Family Physicians of that country. Thus WONCA Europe represents more than 120,000 family doctors in Europe.

Vision:

Our vision is that everyone shall have timely access to a highly skilled family doctor throughout the course of life, unconditionally. 

Mission and objectives:

WONCA Europe's mission is to improve the quality of life of people through fostering and maintaining high standards of care in general practice/family medicine by:

• providing a forum for exchange of knowledge and information;
• supporting the development of the academic organisations in our discipline; and,
• working on, and advocating for, educational, research and service provision activities of family doctors. We support the professional development, research, education and quality improvement of general practice/family medicine, through our networks and special interest groups.

Last evaluation: December 2019