Transcript Opportunities for input of regions at EU level: Advocating

Opportunities for input of
regions at EU level:
Advocating for healthy
public policies
Caroline Bollars
European Week of Regions and Cities
10 October 2007, 14.30-16.30
Outline of presentation

EPHA and its members
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What does the health community stand for
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The role of the health community
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Opportunities to input
About EPHA
A network
of more than 98 non governmental and
not-for-profit organisations across Europe
working on health and health-related issues
EPHA's
mission is to promote and protect the
health of all people living in Europe and increase
the participation of citizens in health-related
policy making at European level.
EPHA members
Health
advocates
Disease specific patient groups
Academic researchers
Health professionals (e.g. doctors, nurses and
pharmacists)
Consumer groups
Environment organisations
Development organisations
Complete list of EPHA members:
http://www.epha.org/r/14
Why be involved ?
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Article 152 in Treaty: 'EU legislates on public
health'
Implementation: Member States AND Regions
BUT the legislative process does not involve
regions (as an adviser)
Who makes decisions: European Commission,
European Parliament, European Council
Other people involved ??


15,000 to 20,000 lobbyists in Brussels:
 20%
represent regions and cities
 10%
NGO's
Networking and alliances are the ONLY way to
make our voice heard - You are unlikely to
succeed alone. Use other existing resources.
EU and Health – What is advocacy
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Monitor, analyse and inform - overview of EU
institutions, tracking policy and political events
Awareness raising policy-makers (EU-local)
Networking - engage and consult (today)
Visibility - raising the profile of your organisation,
ensuring that your voice is heard
Lobbying - getting your viewpoints across and
providing detailed expertise (amendments for
legislation, data and statistics, writing reports)
Conclusion: Lobbying and the role
of NGOs in Brussels – Defining
lobbying
Grass roots lobbying:
Conclusion: Lobbying and the role
of NGOs in Brussels – Defining
lobbying
Direct lobbying:
European Public Health Alliance
39-41 Rue d’Arlon
B-1000 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: +32 2 230 38 89
Fax: +32 2 233 38 80
[email protected]
www.epha.org