On 17th June 2015, the European Brain Council (EBC) invited National Brain Councils (NBCs) representatives to Brussels to present the NBCs Toolkit as well as to provide a platform in order for them to share experiences and learn from each other’s. The aim of the Toolkit is to support the NBCs in their everyday work and to provide knowledge, ideas, tools and step-by-step advice.
The meeting gathered representatives from Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Spain and Turkey.
The network will continue to offer its expertise and help politicians in order to address the enormous human, social and economic strain that brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression pose on the society, the healthcare systems, the individuals and their carers.
There was a consensus that the “healthy brain” agenda should be more prominent in common strategies. The human brain is not only the origin of many chronic disabling diseases, but also the seat of our personality, thoughts, feelings and other human characteristics. It is a true wonder that needs to be nurtured, protected and cared for.
Invited speakers – MEPs Philippe de Backer and Tomas Zdechovsky – shared their expertise in the area of communications, meaningful patients’ involvement and participation in EU funded projects.
After the morning meeting, the NBCs representatives were invited to the European Parliament, where the lunch hosted by MEPs Marian Harkin, Danuta Jazłowiecka and Ruža Tomašić followed.
The European Brain Council as well as the participants were very pleased by the outcomes of this meeting and both parties are looking forward to further opportunities to arise to work together on these fascinating and burning issues.
