Policy round-up

European Parliament adopts Written Declaration on Epilepsy

The Written Declaration on Epilepsy (22-2011) was adopted by the European Parliament. A Written Declaration is a tool used by the European Parliament to launch a debate on an issue at European Union level.
The declaration calls on the European Commission and European Council to:

• encourage research and innovation in the area of prevention and early diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy;
• prioritise epilepsy as a major condition that imposes a significant burden across Europe;
• take initiatives to encourage Member States to ensure equality for people with epilepsy, including in education, employment, transport and public healthcare;
• encourage effective health impact assessments on all major EU and national policies.

The declaration on epilepsy was signed by 459 Members of the European Parliament (MEP). This was the highest number for a written declaration in this parliamentary term. The full list of the UKs MEPs who signed up to support the Declaration can be found on the Epilepsy Action website.

Within the next few weeks the Written Declaration on Epilepsy will be officially communicated from the Parliament to the Commission, and then to the Parliaments of the EU Member States. The European Advocates for Epilepsy Working Group in the European Parliament will meet to discuss how to make the most of the success of the declaration.