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

What does the health community stand for

The role of the health community

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 advocatesDisease specific patient groupsAcademic researchersHealth professionals (e.g. doctors, nurses and

pharmacists)Consumer groupsEnvironment organisationsDevelopment organisationsComplete list of EPHA members:

http://www.epha.org/r/14

Why be involved ?

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

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

caroline@epha.org

www.epha.org