On February 27th, David Brennan represented EFA at the IMI Open Info Day for its 5th Call for proposals in order to learn about the revised scientific research agenda. Due to the current involvement of EFA in the IMI project U-BIOPRED (Unbiased BIOmarkers in PREDiction of respiratory disease outcomes), it is in our interest to follow how the IMI evolves in its future calls. The updated structure of the strategic research agenda includes additional

On the 21st of March, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) organised a public workshop at the European Parliament on allergies in a changing environment in Europe. The aim of the workshop was to inform stakeholders about ongoing and future developments in allergy research and to increase public awareness of the allergy epidemic. This is a crucial problem in Europe, as also outlined in the EFA Book on Respiratory Allergy

On the 20th and 21st of March, EFA organised our third “Meet and Greet the EU Institutions” training for members. Thanks to this event, EFA members had the opportunity to come to Brussels for one andOn the 20th and 21st of March, EFA organised our third “Meet and Greet the EU Institutions” training for members. Thanks to this event, EFA members had the opportunity to come to Brussels for one and a half days to gain a general overview of how

March 2012 Issue EU News: Latest EU health policy developments The last months of 2011 and the beginning of 2012 have been particularly fruitful in terms of policy developments in EFA’s interest areas both directly and indirectly related to asthma, allergy and COPD. In November, the European Commission proposed the third multiannual programme of EU action in the field of health for the period 2014/2020, the Health for Growth programme, of which

The General Assembly (GA) of ENSP took place in Brussels on the 29th of February. EFA was represented by its EU Policy and Project Officer, Roberta Savli. ENSP works to develop a strategy for cooperation and coordinated activity between European organisations working in the area of tobacco control. For the year 2012, EFA is an associated member of ENSP. The prevention smoking uptake and support for cessation is a common concern of both EFA and ENSP,

The Austrian Institute for European Law and Policy, in cooperation with the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) and Danube University, has been organising a series of workshops on the subject of "Open dialogue between institutions and citizens - Chances and challenges." The third workshop, entitled "Dialogue with non-organised citizens" at the end of January, and focused on how European institutions should exchange their views and ensure an

After almost three years of negotiations, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union adopted the final text of the new Regulation on the provision of food information to consumers in October 2011. EFA is particularly interested because clear and understandable food information helps consumers make better-informed and safer food choices, which is especially important for people with food allergy. The most notable aspect of the new

Last November, the European Commission published its proposal for a regulation on establishing a Health for Growth Programme, the third multi-annual programme of EU action in the field of health for the period 2014-2020. Healthcare is one of the largest sectors in the EU, employing 1 in 10 European workers. The recent financial crisis has obliged Member States to reconsider how best they can improve its sustainability whilst maintaining high standards.

2012 will be an exciting year for EFA member Allergy UK, which is pleased to announce the election of Jim Bennett as its new Chief Executive. Having worked in the charity sector for over 17 years, Jim brings a wealth of experience to his new role.  A newly appointed Deputy Chief Executive, Lindsey McManus, will support Jim in his role. Allergy UK will also be launching a £1 million appeal to raise funds to recruit and develop approximately six

The International COPD Coalition (ICC) was pleased to announce that 480 people participated in the Second World Conference of COPD Patient Organisations held in Shanghai on 6-7 of November. A video, picture and summary section has now been created on its website, where it is possible to follow the presentations and read about the main achievements of the conference. Former EFA President Marianella Salapatas represented EFA at the conference and spoke

Some of EFA's members participate in working groups designated to serve as forums for discussing specific disease areas. These working groups are open to all EFA members and participants are encouraged to add topics to the working group agendas if issues arise that they would like to discuss. Over the past several months the COPD, Respiratory Allergy and Food Allergy working groups have held various teleconference meetings, during which a variety

On the 7th of February 2012, EFA EU Policy and Project Officer Roberta Savli participated in a clinical research site visit organised by the OLV Hospital Aalst and MSD Europe in Flanders, Belgium. The programme included a two-hour theoretical presentation on clinical trials and the current regulation that governs them, now that the clinical trials directive 2001/20/EC is set be revised by the European Commission. After this presentation, participants