European Epilepsy Day was officially launched at the European Parliament, Strasbourg on February 14th. Representatives of 26 epilepsy organisations from across the continent, including Brainwave, came together to raise awareness among European politicians.
On 15th February, a series of meetings took place between the epilepsy groups and their national MEPs, providing an excellent opportunity to make MEPs more aware of the problems and difficulties faced by the six million people with epilepsy in Europe. Pictured belowmis Brainwave CEO Mike Glynn (2nd from right) with Irish MEPs Sean Kelly, Mairead McGuinness, gay Mitchell and Jim Higgins.
Brainwave CEO and IBE President Mike Glynn, along with the President of the ILAE, Nico Moshe held meetings with two key Commissioners - John Dalli, Commissioner for Health and Public Policy and Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science (below). The focus of these meetings was to highlight the need for research and education to improve services for people with epilepsy.
Also on February 15th, a number of MEPs attended a lunch discussion on epilepsy hosted by Irish MEP Gay Mitchell (below). This provided another opportunity for raising epilepsy awareness and the discussions highlighted MEPs interest in learning more about the problems faced by people with epilepsy.
A poster exhibition "The Many Faces of Epilepsy" was also organised, attracting over 30 MEPs. EU Vice President Edward McMillan-Scott opened the exhibition which was located in a busy gallery through which MEPs walk from their offices to the Parliament Chamber several times each day.
Irish MEP Jim Higgins spoke in the Parliament about EED, referring to the specific problems faced by people in Ireland with epilepsy. Mr Higgins called for more epilepsy research and for greater sharing of data and best practice across Europe.
More on EED in Europe on the IBE website